Rash of robberies Monday in Modesto

MODESTO -- At least five businesses were robbed during a four-hour period Monday.

Stanislaus County sheriff's deputies and Modesto police were looking for pairs of Latino men in hooded sweat shirts. The description matches the suspects in three of the five robberies.

The first occurred about 5 p.m. at Millennium Foods, 501 Sycamore Ave. Two Latino men in their 20s, one armed with a handgun, robbed the store and were last seen heading toward Enslen Park. Scanner traffic reports indicated they may have left in a black Volvo.

Witnesses reported seeing a black car after a robbery at the Viva Market at 1350 Paradise Road about 8:30 p.m., according to Sheriff's Department Sgt. Anthony Bejaran.

The two men who robbed that store match the description of the men who robbed the Golden West Market in the 2600 block of Paradise Road three hours before, Bejaran said.

He said sheriff's deputies did not know Monday night whether they also might be connected to the Millennium Foods robbery, and Modesto police were not available for comment.

The Sheriff's Department investigated a fourth robbery, at the Country Market on Hatch Road, but only one suspect was involved.

Modesto police also responded to a single-suspect robbery at the Game Stop on McHenry Avenue about 8:45 p.m. The suspect ordered the employees on the ground, according to dispatchers.

As of Monday night, no suspects had been arrested in connection to the Sheriff's Department robberies, and Modesto police could not be reached for comment.

Anyone with information about the investigations can call (209) 525-7114. Anonymous tips can be left by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can email tips at www.modestopolice.com/ CrimeStoppers or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus a message and be eligible for a cash reward.