Armed man robs Modesto convenience store at gunpoint

MODESTO -- Police on Sunday were looking for a man who robbed a north Modesto convenience store at gunpoint Saturday night, getting away with several hundred dollars.

The robbery occurred about 7:30 p.m. at AJ's Market in the 900 block of Coffee Road, across the street from Downey High School. Modesto police Lt. Jolene Gonzales said the robber walked into the store holding what appeared to be a shotgun.

Police described the robber as a white man about 5 feet 11 inches tall, wearing a black pea coat and a scarf covering the lower portion of his face. Gonzales said the robber grabbed the cash and left the store. There were no reports of shots fired or injuries.

Witnesses told police they saw the robber walking west on East Fairmont Avenue before heading into a nearby apartment complex. Police set up a perimeter and searched the area for about an hour but did not find the robber.

Police ask anyone with information about this robbery to call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers website, www.stancrimetips.org, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus a message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward.