One arrested in shooting of Modesto store clerk

A man suspected of shooting a store clerk during a robbery earlier this week has been arrested but two other men remain at large, Modesto police reported Friday.

Kenneth Akeem Brooks, 21, of Modesto was arrested Tuesday in connection with the robbery of Wally's Discount Cigarettes on Monday night, according to Lt. Rick Armendariz.

Authorities are still searching for two Bay Area men believed to be accomplices in the holdup.

Three employees and a customer can be seen in the surveillance video of the robbery, quietly watching as one of the suspects grabs money from the cash register.

Another suspect, believed to be Brooks, was standing by the door armed with a gun. After getting the money, the suspects headed for the door. But before they left, the gunman turned around and shot a 20-year-old store clerk.

"It appears to be a senseless shooting," Armendariz said, adding that the suspects already had the money and, for no apparent reason, shot the clerk.

The victim is in critical but stable condition at a local hospital, Armendariz said.

Witnesses who saw the suspects drive away in a green Dodge Caravan provided police with a partial license plate number.

Officer Jesse Garcia recognized the car's description from an unrelated call the day before the shooting. Garcia had seen the car when he was investigating vandalism in the 3900 block of Pam Am Drive, Armendariz said.

Detectives went to the location Tuesday where they located the green van. They watched Brooks get into the van and later pulled him over for a traffic stop.

Brooks was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery and parole violation. Armendariz said he is on parole for making terrorist threats.

On Friday, detectives identified the other men involved in the robbery: Luis Cabrera, 18, and Josue Pulido, 20, both of Union City, are wanted for attempted murder and robbery.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident or knowledge as to the location of Pulido and Cabrera to call Crime Stoppers at (866) 602-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type "TIP704" along with your message.

Bee staff writer Erin Tracy can be reached at etracy@modbee.com or (209) 578-2366.

This story was originally published September 2, 2011 at 10:30 PM with the headline "One arrested in shooting of Modesto store clerk."