Suspect in 7 aggravated robberies of convenience stores arrested, police say

Police arrested a man suspected of being involved in seven aggravated robberies around El Paso, including one in which the suspect threatened to burn down a store while holding a container of gasoline.

Jose Luis Martinez, 27, is charged with aggravated robbery and possession of cocaine, police said.

Police said the spree of aggravated robberies began September 24th and ended on October 8th.

Police said Martinez used a knife to threaten employees during the the first six robberies.

While allegedly robbing a check cashing store in the 1900 block of Montana, Martinez allegedly threatene to burn the store down while holding a container of gasoline.

Detectives were able to identify Martinez as the suspect in the robberies and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On October 9th, police pulled Martinez over on the 9800 block of Diana and took him into custody on the warrant and for possession of cocaine allegedly found on his person.

Police said Martinez was additionally charged with the other robberies and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on bonds totaling $528,000.

Below are the stores allegedly robbed by Martinez:

September 24: 6:19 am at the Circle K at 5040 E. Paisano September 24: 12:30 pm at the Family Dollar at 3601 Pershing September 28: 1:20 am at the 7-11 at 4140 N. Mesa September 30: 10:03 am at the 7-11 at 2000 N. Piedras October 4: 10:30 am at the 7-11 at 6100 Trowbridge October 5: 1:48 am at the 7-11 at 8300 Dyer October 8: 4:12 am at the PLS Check Cashing Store at 1921 Montana