ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two men were arrested and charged Tuesday after police said they robbed a woman at gunpoint near an Allentown bank and then fled from an officer on foot.
An Allentown patrol officer spotted the two men wearing face masks and black clothing at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Eighth and Maple streets, according to police. The men immediately fled on foot when they saw the marked police car.
Witnesses reported to police that the two men had just robbed a woman at gunpoint near a bank in the 00 block of North Eighth Street, taking a large amount of cash and a cell phone. Patrol officers chased and caught both suspects.
Both men were in possession of handguns, one of which was found to be stolen, according to police. A search following the arrests revealed the victim’s stolen cash and cell phone.
Jahniel Perez-Matos, 20, of Nutley, N.J., was charged with robbery, person not to possess a firearm, theft, receiving stolen property, carrying a concealed firearm without a license and evading arrest.
Alex Aracena Polanco, 20, of Deer Park, N.Y., was charged with robbery, theft, carrying a concealed firearm without a license and evading arrest.
The Allentown Police Department attributed the arrests to “great observations and investigative work” by patrol officers. Police said there would be no further comment on the investigation.