A man linked to several armed robberies of day laborers across the Bay Area has been arrested.
According to the San Rafael Police Department, Edward Joseph Martinez, 37, was arrested in Orinda on a traffic warrant.
Martinez will be extradited to San Rafael on two charges of armed robbery.
On February 22, two people searching for work near Bellam Boulevard were robbed by a suspect at gunpoint after he told them he was hiring.
Martinez allegedly drove both victims to a remote area before using a gun to rob them, police say.
Martinez fled the scene after telling both victims to get out of the car. Two community members saw the victims and gave them a ride back to Bellam Boulevard.
The victims reported the crime on February 23. Officers interviewed them and learned where Martinez had taken them.
Detectives were able to locate video footage of the vehicle used in the crime and its license plate, which led them to Martinez.
SRPD sent the information to several agencies and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office shared addresses associated with Martinez.
On March 4, two more robberies of day laborers were reported by the Richmond Police Department. Martinez is the prime suspect in both.
On March 7, he was pulled over by officers with the Orinda Police Department for a traffic violation.
According to SRPD, Martinez was arrested and booked on a separate traffic warrant, and his car was impounded as evidence.
Officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and a loaded handgun was found inside.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call SRPD at 415-485-3000. Community members can also report tips online at http://www.srpd.org/tips
