Full Notification

Modesto, CA - Gang investigators have arrested four suspected gang members for their involvement in a string of commercial robberies. In each of the robberies, the suspects were armed with handguns and wore disguises to conceal their identities.

On Saturday August 14, 2010, at about 9 pm, three suspects entered the PJ Market, located at 501 E. Morris Avenue. The suspects were armed with handguns and wearing disguises. They demanded money from the clerk and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. (see below for surveillance video)

On Tuesday August 17, 2010, at about 7:50 pm, three suspects entered the Valero Gas Station, located at 145 N. Santa Cruz Avenue. The suspects were armed with handguns and wearing disguises. They demanded money from the clerk and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

On both occasions, the suspects had fled the scene before officers arrived. Gang Investigators conducted follow-up and through investigation, were able to identify several suspects related to the robberies.

On Thursday August 19th, members of the Modesto Police Department’s Gang Investigation Unit and Street Gang Unit served search warrants in the 1700 block of Spokane Street in Modesto and the 2800 block of Gilder Court in Ceres. The following suspects were arrested:

1. Miguel Avina, a 27-year-old Modesto resident
2. John Bravo, a 31-year-old Modesto resident
3. Erik Rocha, a 19-year-old Ceres resident
4. A 16-year-old Modesto resident

All four suspects were arrested for two (2) counts of robbery, conspiracy, and gang enhancement. All four members are suspected Norteno criminal street gang members.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges and arrests may be made. Police ask anyone who may have information regarding these incidents to please call Investigator Martin @ 342-6116 or Crime Stoppers toll free @ (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

To view surveillance video of the robbery at PJ Market, located at 501 E. Morris Avenue, see link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6T0KupExRg

For information about this news release, contact police spokesman Sergeant Rick Armendariz at (209) 652-1820.