Two robberies within minutes of each other in Salinas Friday

The Salinas Police Department was busy Friday night investigating two separate robberies within minutes of each other.

Police say the first one happened at the Quik-Stop on Clark Street around 8:15 p.m. Police say the suspects ordered the clerk to open the cash register before striking him on the side of the head twice with a gun. Police say they took off with a small amount of cash while the clerk was transported to the hospital.

Then around 8:30 p.m. officers responded to an armed robbery at the Santa Cruz Market on East Romie Lane, but this time three suspects were taken into custody. Police say the suspects entered the market with guns and demanded money.

There is still no word yet if the two robberies were connected.

Miguel Martinez, 19,Sean Coffer, 20 and Micheal Lopez, 19, are all facing robbery charges among other charges.