Turlock police arrest robbery suspects after chase ends in Modesto

Two 18-year-old men have been arrested in the attempted robbery of a gas station, Turlock police said Thursday, while a third person remains on the loose.

Allen Jackson of Modesto was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and felony evading. Dominic Lewis-Bation of Manteca was arrested on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy.

Police believe the two, along with another person, attempted to rob an Arco gas station at 2219 Lander Ave. at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Lewis-Bation is suspected of entering the business, pointing a handgun at an employee and demanding money, police said. An undisclosed amount of money was taken.

When police officers arrived, the robbers were gone.

The Turlock Police Department has been investigating two similar robberies that occurred Sunday, after which Turlock officers and officers from the California State University, Stanislaus, Police Department began providing extra patrols to other gas stations and convenience stores.

A Stanislaus State officer on Wednesday saw a vehicle pull into the parking lot of an Arco gas station at 4700 N. Golden State Blvd. The officer checked the license plate on the vehicle, which showed it had been stolen, police said.

The vehicle was followed by the officer until Turlock police arrived to assist. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle on Highway 99 at Whitmore Avenue, but it took off and a pursuit ensued.

The chase continued through Ceres and Modesto, where the vehicle crashed into a planter bed near Ninth and I streets.

Three men ran from the vehicle, police said.

A perimeter was set up in the area with the assistance of the Modesto, Ceres and Stanislaus State police departments. Jackson and Lewis-Bation were found and taken into custody. The third person got away.

During the subsequent investigation, police determined that Lewis-Bation had been involved in the Turlock Arco robbery, authorities said.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the third person is asked to contact Turlock police Officer Hiram Duncan at 209-668-5550, ext. 6712.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 8:22 AM with the headline "Turlock police arrest robbery suspects after chase ends in Modesto."