Attempted Robbery Subject Apprehended

On Wednesday, 04/06/11 at approximately 7:30pm Providence Police Patrolman Pelaez was dispatched to 755 Westminster Street, Edible Arrangements, for a report of an attempted robbery. Upon arrival, Police met with the complainant, who stated to Police that a black male subject between the ages of twenty- five and thirty, six feet tall, fairly thin, wearing a black puffy, down coat with a fur trimmed hood, khaki pants, black sneakers with white trim bottoms, and a dark hat walked into the establishment at approximately 6:50pm.

The complainant stated to Police that she was attacked by the subject and was then able to kick the rear door several times and began to shout "HELP!" At that time the subject fled the establishment without any money. The complainant stated to Police that she would be able to positively identify the assailant if she saw him again. The victim was placed in an unmarked police vehicle and driven around the area in an attempt to locate the suspect.

During that search, Lt. Jackvony contacted the Providence Police robbery squad and informed detectives that the suspect may have been in the Subway sandwich shop on Westminster Street prior to attempted robbery. Detectives Melaragno and Sullivan responded to the Subway restaurant and viewed the video surveillance. The victim positively identified the subject on the video as the male who assaulted her and attempted to rob her. Patrol units were notified and responded to the Subway to view the suspect.

Minutes after the suspect was viewed by patrol units, a broadcast was aired that the subject was being detained by Patrolman Palaez at the 7- Eleven Store on Broad Street. The victim was transported to the 7- Eleven store and after viewing the subject the victim positively identified Ivan Martinez (dob:1/30/84) as the person who assaulted her and attempted to rob her. Martinez was taken into custody and charged with Assault with Intent to Commit a Robbery and held for the next session of District Court.