Full Notification

DUO BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR TWO HEISTS

Modesto, CA – Modesto Police are seeking tips about the identity of two men believed responsible in daytime robberies of two cash advance establishments.

On November 15th, at about 10:25 am, two men entered the Advance America at 2101 Standiford Avenue and robbed one of the tellers. A second robbery occurred at 5:15 pm on November 23rd at the Fast Auto and Payday Loans located at 601 Scenic Drive. Detectives also believe the pair planned to rob the downtown Advance America branch located at 1801 “H” Street just minutes after the Scenic Drive robbery. In each of the robberies, at least one of the men is armed with a firearm and makes verbal demands for money before both men flee on foot.

Police credit security procedures at the downtown Advance America branch with foiling the robbery attempt. The “H” Street branch had received a copy of the suspect photographs and had implemented a procedure of unlocking the door and escorting the patron into the business. In this case, they recognized the man at the door as being strikingly similar in appearance to one of the men responsible in the robbery of the Standiford branch and, therefore, the door was not unlocked. The employees immediately called police.

Police encourage other local check cashing and cash advance businesses to increase their vigilance and consider revising security procedures to mirror those implemented by the downtown Advance America branch.

Detectives assigned to the case are hoping someone will recognize a photograph of the men responsible in the robberies. The first suspect is described as a black male, 6-02, 190 pounds, with a thin mustache and goatee. The second suspect is believed to be a black male adult, 5-02, with a small build. The smaller suspect wore a mask in the first robbery.

Detectives have released several digital surveillance photographs of the suspects at the time of the robbery. Detectives ask anyone who may recognize the suspects to call Crime Stoppers at (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.

For information about this news release, contact police spokesperson Sergeant Brian Findlen at (209) 652-1386.