Two arrested in Modesto burglaries

Modesto police over the weekend arrested two burglary suspects, both whom had prior theft-related convictions.

Officers arrested the first suspect after persuading him to come out of the Starbucks bathroom into which he’d locked himself Saturday evening.

A “sharp-eyed citizen” saw someone trying to open cars parked near the Outback Steakhouse on Briggsmore Avenue, said department spokeswoman Heather Graves.

When officers arrived, the individual fled to the nearby Starbucks and locked himself in the bathroom, she said.

After he surrendered, officers searched the bathroom and found a screwdriver and shaved keys in the garbage can, Graves said.

Officers arrested Gino Fontana, 25, on suspicion of burglary.

Graves said Fontana was released from custody about a week ago after serving an eight-month sentence for a burglary committed in the same parking lot.

Another repeat offender was arrested on suspicion of burglary across the street about nine hours later.

Officers responding to a silent alarm at Panda Express were alerted to a second silent alarm next door at CVS Pharmacy, Graves said.

A rock had been used to shatter a window at the Panda Express and the cash register area had been ransacked.

Officers found the CVS in similar condition but located the cash register outside where the burglar had thrown it against a dumpster to gain access.

“He got a very small amount of cash,” Graves said

The suspect, 35-year-old Robert Graves, was found walking toward the Panda Express. He is not related to her, Heather Graves said.

“He was on probation for burglary and had a no-bail burglary warrant,” Graves said. “While talking to officers, he admitted to the burglary at CVS and said he only got six days (in jail) for his last burglary conviction so he had nothing to lose.”

This story was originally published January 26, 2015 at 9:58 PM with the headline "Two arrested in Modesto burglaries."