BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announced the arrest of two men in connection with a series of armed robberies in Bethlehem earlier this month.
Jeniel Rivera Gotay and Luis Vega-Gonzalez face charges in three armed robberies: the Sunoco Quickfill and Service at 2960 Linden Street on Nov. 2 and Nov. 11, and the Racetrack gas station at 2350 Linden Street on Nov. 5.
The suspects were under surveillance when they robbed the Sunoco Quickfill and Service on Nov. 11, authorities said. Officers watched the men enter the store around 1:30 a.m., exit with bags, and drive off in an Acura.
When police attempted to stop the car, it rammed a police surveillance vehicle, prompting the suspects to flee on foot. Both were apprehended a short distance away, and a trail of U.S. currency led officers to their location.
A search of the Acura later recovered evidence linking both men to the three Bethlehem robberies, Baratta said.
The DA noted that similar armed robberies have occurred across the Lehigh Valley since late October, including at gas stations and convenience stores in Allentown, Bath, Hellertown, and Wilson Borough. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
Rivera Gotay is hospitalized from injuries sustained during the vehicle collision and is expected to be arraigned soon, with bail set. Vega-Gonzalez, who was briefly hospitalized, is now held at Northampton County Prison on $1 million bail.
Baratta commended the Bethlehem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations and Vice units for their work on the case.
“As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed represents merely an accusation, and any person charged is presumed innocent,” Baratta said.
All further inquiries should be directed to the Northampton County Office of the District Attorney.
