Gas Station Robbers Flee, Ram Police Vehicle During Bethlehem Crime Spree: DA

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

Two men have been arrested following a series of armed robberies at gas stations across Bethlehem, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announced on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Jeniel Rivera Gotay and Luis Vega-Gonzalez are accused of robbing the Sunoco Quickfill and Service station at 2960 Linden Street on Sunday, Nov. 2, and again on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as well as the Racetrack gas station at 2350 Linden Street on Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to Baratta’s release.

For the most recent incident, Bethlehem police had the men under surveillance when they allegedly went to the Sunoco Quickfill around 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 11. Officers observed the suspects running out of the store carrying bags before jumping into an Acura that then rammed a police surveillance vehicle. Both men fled on foot but were captured shortly after, investigators said.

A trail of cash led officers from the vehicle to where the suspects were arrested, and a search of the Acura uncovered evidence linking them to all three robberies, according to the district attorney’s office.

The Sunoco has been permanently closed since this incident, according to Google.

The crimes may be connected to other armed robberies reported since late October in Allentown, Bath, Hellertown, and Wilson Borough, authorities explained. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Rivera Gotay remains hospitalized for injuries sustained when the Acura rammed the police vehicle. He will be arraigned once medically cleared. Vega-Gonzalez has been booked into Northampton County Prison in lieu of $1 million bail, prosecutors said.

District Attorney Baratta commended the Bethlehem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit and Vice Unit for their coordinated work on the case.