Lower Saucon Man Accused of Attempted Stabbing During Robbery

A 25-year-old Lower Saucon Township man and two other local men are accused of participating in a violent robbery and assault in Bethlehem Township earlier this month.

A 25-year-old Lower Saucon Township man and two other local men are accused of participating in a violent assault and robbery in Bethlehem Township earlier this month.

In a story that cites court records, the Morning Call reported that on Oct. 4 Gabriel Alexander Rivera-Soto, of the 2300 block of Black River Road, was allegedly with Jordan Charles West, 26, of the 2000 block of South Delaware Street, Allentown, and George Luis Hernandez, 27, of the 600 block of Itaska Street, Bethlehem, when they drove to pick up an acquaintance who was carrying a backpack that contained three semi-automatic handguns.

Bethlehem Township Police
Credit: Bethlehem Township Police Department

According to the newspaper’s account of what happened, Rivera-Soto and West then allegedly pulled knives on their acquaintance and threatened to stab him before Rivera-Sota allegedly kicked the man in the face.

Court records show taht Rivera-Soto is charged with:

  • Felony 1 Aggravated Assault – Attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference
  • Felony 1 Conspiracy – Aggravated Assault – Attempts to cause SBI or causes injury with extreme

    indifference
  • Felony 1 Robbery – Threatens immediate serious injury
  • Felony 1 Conspiracy – Robbery with threat of immediate serious injury
  • Felony 1 Robbery – Commits threat of 1st/2nd degree
  • Felony 2 Theft By Unlawful Taking
  • Felony 2 Conspiracy – Theft By Unlawful Taking
  • Misdemeanor 2 Recklessly Endangering Another Person
  • Misdemeanor 2 Conspiracy – Recklessly Endangering Another Person
  • Misdemeanor 1 Receiving Stolen Property

The other two men are also charged with the above offenses.

According to court records, following a preliminary arraignment before District Judge Patricia Broscius Wednesday, Rivera-Soto was committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $250,000 straight bail.

A preliminary hearing in his case is scheduled to be held before Broscius on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 1:30 p.m., records show.

Court records do not list an attorney for Rivera-Soto.

Note: Individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using information from police and court documents.

Author
Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is a veteran local journalist with an extensive background in print and digital news. A Bethlehem native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in history and has maintained a lifelong affinity for the subject. He founded Saucon Source to fill a need for independent local journalism, which has thrived with the support of an engaged, enthusiastic readership. He thanks the community, whose continued support makes this site possible.

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