Modesto bank robbery suspect nabbed within hours

MODESTO -- A man accused of robbing a Modesto bank Monday was arrested four hours later when a patrol officer saw him driving around a neighborhood three miles away.

Employees at Chase Bank at 2900 Standiford Ave. reported the robbery at 10:44 a.m. The suspect entered the bank, approached a teller and demanded money. The teller gave him cash — police did not say how much — and the man walked out.

According to police, investigators immediately sent the description of the bank robbery suspect and surveillance photos to patrol officers. The surveillance photos also were posted on the department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

At 2:48 p.m., a patrol officer driving near Pearl Street and Kearney Avenue noticed a truck driven by a man who looked like the robber. Officers stopped Ronald Oliver, 64, of Modesto.

Investigators recovered evidence, including money from the bank robbery, in Oliver’s truck and in Oliver’s possession. Officers arrested Oliver and booked him at the Stanislaus County Jail on a robbery charge.

“We are fortunate to have the technology in place, which allows our officers to quickly access essential information and aid them in their daily activities,” said acting Capt. Scott Heller, the investigations services division commander, in a news release.