ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two men are facing multiple charges after Allentown Police say they robbed a woman at gunpoint before leading officers on a foot chase that ended in their arrest Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Allentown Police Department, officers were patrolling the area of North Eighth and Maple streets at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when they observed two men wearing face masks and dark clothing. Police said the pair immediately fled on foot after spotting a marked patrol vehicle.
While officers were pursuing the suspects, witnesses reported that the two men had just robbed a woman at gunpoint near a bank in the 00 block of North Eighth Street, according to the department.
Police allege the suspects stole a large amount of cash and the victim’s cell phone before attempting to flee the area.
Officers quickly caught both suspects and took them into custody.
The suspects were identified by police as Jahniel Perez-Matos, 20, of Nutley, New Jersey, and Alex Aracena Polanco, 20, of Deer Park, New York.
According to the press release, investigators recovered two handguns from the suspects, one of which had been reported stolen. Police also said the victim’s stolen cash and cell phone were recovered following the arrests.
Perez-Matos and Polanco have been charged with multiple offenses, including robbery and evading arrest, along with additional related charges.
The allegations stem from information released by the Allentown Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law
