Monterey County men caught trying to rob bank in Modesto

Six Monterey County men are behind bars after trying to rob a bank in Modesto.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department said the men were armed and were caught right as they were preparing to hold up the bank.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, around 1:00 a.m. Friday, November 16th, a deputy found a stolen car parked in an apartment complex in Modesto. The deputy kept a close eye on the car throughout his shift and requested help.

As detectives from StanCATT were watching the car, several suspects showed up in additional cars and were seen removing license plates and switching them out for paper plates.

They loaded items into the stolen car and then six men got into four cars and drove off. Detectives followed them to the bank’s parking lot. Four men then put on masks while the other two men started driving back and forth in front of the bank.

Later that afternoon, detectives requested back up from Modesto Police as they prepared to detain the suspects in the stolen car.

Detectives then arrested 25-year-old Jesus Robledo of Salinas, 27-year-old Enrique Lopez of Soledad, 23-year-old Victor Bravo of Soledad and 26-year-old Moises Garcia of Soledad in the stolen car. Detectives also found two assault rifles, two handguns, masks, gloves and a duffle bag in the car.

Modesto Police stopped one of the other suspect’s cars in front of the 99 cent store near the bank and arrested 23-year-old Robert Zavala of Soledad. 19-year-old Cesar Lemus of Soledad was also then stopped and taken into custody in the parking lot of a Burlington Coat Factory.

“This is a classic example of how a major incident can be averted by vigilant patrol deputies working with investigative units to get bad guys off the street,” said Sheriff-Elect Jeff Dirkse.

“Deputy Christianson’s actions in locating this stolen vehicle and contacting detectives was instrumental in preventing an armed bank robbery on a busy Friday afternoon in the middle of Modesto. Detectives did an amazing job of taking down a car full of gang members armed to the teeth, just minutes before they entered the bank and put the public at risk. I couldn’t be more proud of the teamwork within the Sheriff’s Department as well as the assist from StanCATT and Modesto Police.”

The Sheriff’s Department said several of the suspects have a lengthy criminal history including robbery, kidnapping, drugs and weapons charges, evading and resisting police and being members of criminal street gangs.

Investigators are also trying to figure out if the suspects are connected to other robberies at the Wells Fargo Bank in Riverbank.

All six suspects now face several charges including attempted robbery and criminal conspiracy.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Brian Carter at 209-525-7075.