SAN JOSE, Calif. — Three people have been arrested in connection with a string of recent strong-armed robberies in San Jose, police announced Feb. 2.

Santos Thompson, 21, Carissa Martinez, 26, and Anthony Macias, 36, all of San Jose, were arrested on suspicion of strong-armed robbery, according to the San Jose Police Department.

The police department’s robbery unit has been investigating a series of at least nine purse snatching-style robberies that occurred between November and January.

Police said the robberies involved Asian women being targeted at shopping centers.

During the robberies, the suspects drove up next to the victims as the victims were walking through parking lots, grabbed the victims; purses and drove off, police said.

On several occasions, the victims were dragged or were struck by the suspects’ vehicle.

Police said Macias was arrested in connection with the robberies on Jan. 19. He was taken into custody in the area of Almaden Boulevard and Balbach Street.

Thompson and Martinez were arrested in connection with the robberies on Jan. 31 They were taken into custody in the area of Fontaine Road and Flanigan Drive.