Phelan man arrested on suspicion of armed robberies in Redlands, Highland and San Bernardino

A Phelan man suspected of robbing stores in Highland, Redlands and San Bernardino was arrested on Monday

Matthew Alferez, 36, was arrested on Monday evening while leaving a residence on the 1100 block of Merada Road, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The department said in a statement that Alferez was suspected of robbing a Cell Zone Wireless store in Highland at gunpoint on April 15.

Matthew Alferez, 36, of Phelan, was arrested Monday, April 29, on suspicion of armed robbery. (Photo courtesy of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

“During the investigation, deputies determined the suspect entered the store, produced a handgun and robbed the victim of cash,” officials said in a statement.

The Sheriff’s Department also said Alferez is suspected of robbing a liquor store at gunpoint on April 18 in Redlands and a Chevron gas station in San Bernardino on April 28.

“However, the (Chevron) clerk was able to take the loaded handgun away from Alferez before he left the location in a stolen vehicle,” officials said.

Authorities said investigators found ammunition and a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine inside Alferez’s vehicle.

Alferez was booked into the Central Detention Center with a bail of $100,000.