Armed robber breaks up card game in Modesto

A man was injured Tuesday night when an armed robber stormed into a west Modesto home's garage, where a group of men were playing cards and dice, and shot one of the men before fleeing with the stolen cash, police said.

The injured 35-year-old man lives at the home in the 400 block of J Street, just west of Fifth Street, said Sgt. Brian Findlen, a Modesto police spokesman. Findlen said the victim suffered a gunshot wound in the buttocks and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. His injuries were not considered life threatening. Police did not release the man's name, to ensure his safety.

No other injuries were reported. Police said the robber is a black man about 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 160 pounds, and wore a gray hooded sweat shirt, black pants and a black mask. The shooting occurred about 10:20 p.m., when the robber entered the garage, Findlen said.

The robber demanded cash from the men and shot the victim once, he said. The robber grabbed the cash and fled on foot. Police ask anyone with information about this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters also can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/crimestoppers