Robbers tried to use bear spray, run down store employees, Modesto police report
Two men face robbery and other charges after trying to use bear spray on employees during a theft attempt at a liquor store Saturday evening, according to Modesto police.
About 6 p.m., officers responded to a robbery report at Modesto Liquors, 1228 Tully Road, Sgt. Kalani Souza said Sunday morning.
They learned the men had entered the store and tried to steal two bottles of alcohol but were stopped by employees, the sergeant said. One of the thieves pulled out bear spray, but it was taken from him.
The thieves ran to their car and tried to hit the pursuing employees with it as they fled, Souza said.
Officers found the vehicle nearby and were able to take the suspects into custody without incident. The men, both from Modesto, were booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.
Cody Walker, 29, faces charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime. Gabriel Avila, 24, faces the same charges plus possession of a controlled substance and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.
