Nov. 23, 2018 By Laura Hanrahan
A 17-year-old Corona man has been arrested for a string of violent robberies that took place in Elmhurst and Corona last month.
Alfonso Martinez, of 103rd Street, allegedly robbed three women and one man at knife-point during the last week of October, slashing three of the victims. He has been charged with four counts of robbery.
On Oct. 24, at 10 p.m., Martinez allegedly approached a 50-year-old woman in front of 94-08 40th Drive and held a knife to her neck. He forcibly removed her purse, valued at $1,600, and fled on foot toward Roosevelt Avenue.
At 10:32 p.m. that same night, he targeted a 41-year-old woman in front of 45-10 104th St. He approached the woman, took out his knife and stole her cell phone, according to police. He then slashed the woman’s upper arm and hand before fleeing.
Less than 10 minutes later, Martinez approached a 26-year-old woman from behind near 45th Avenue and 108th Street. He forcibly removed the woman’s purse and cut her forearm.
Four days later, the fourth victim, a 20-year-old man, was robbed at 98th Street and Corona Avenue. The suspect held a knife to the man’s neck, causing a small laceration, and stole the victim’s wallet.
The three injured victims were transported to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment.
