Police seek bank robber

Detectives on Wednesday asked for the public's help in finding a man believed to have robbed two Modesto banks in June and October. The robberies occurred at Guaranty Bank branches inside Cost Less Foods grocery stores.

Police described the robber as a Latino, in his early 20s, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds. In the Oct. 6 robbery, the suspect was wearing a black baseball cap, sunglasses and a black long-sleeved shirt over a gray T-shirt. Detectives believe the robber was wearing a dark-colored wig in the June 3 robbery.

The first robbery occurred about 1:30 p.m. at the bank at 3801 Yosemite Blvd., just west of Claus Road in east Modesto. The second robbery occurred shortly before 5 p.m. at 901 N. Carpenter Road, north of Kansas Avenue in west Modesto.

In both robberies, the robber approached the bank teller and demanded money after threatening to have a firearm, said Modesto police Sgt. Brian Findlen. The robber never brandished a weapon. The robber then left with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured either time.

Detectives ask anyone who recognizes the suspect to call Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" and a message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.