Gunmen Arrested During Traffic Stop

MODESTO, CA – Two men are in custody today after robbing one person, and attempting to rob another, with a rifle On February 13, 2008 Morning.

On February 13, 2008 morning at 7:30 am, someone called 911 on their cell phone to report a suspicious incident.  The caller was able to tell the dispatchers that a vehicle was chasing an older model silver Honda in the area of McHenry Avenue before the call was disconnected.  The caller also reported the occupants of the Honda had pointed a gun at someone.  Officers checked the area but had little to go on.  They were unable to locate the vehicle or any witnesses to the incident.

At 7:45 am, a 49-year-old female was leaving her house in the 500 block of Olive Street to go to work.  Her vehicle was parked on the street and as she sat in the driver’s seat a small silver vehicle, occupied by three males, pulled up next to her.  The passenger pointed a rifle at her and demanded her money and purse.  The victim put her car in drive and sped away.  The suspects left and neighbors who saw the incident attempted to get a license plate number.  They were unable to get the plate number but provided officers with a description of the vehicle and suspects.

At about 10:00 am, a Modesto police officer on patrol spotted an older model silver Honda near 5th and I Street and conducted a traffic stop.  As the officers at the scene were conducting an investigation to determine if the vehicle was involved in the earlier incidents, a man approached them and said that he was robbed earlier this morning by several men who fled in a vehicle like the one the officers had stopped. 

The 23-year-old Modesto man said that he was at an apartment complex parking lot this morning at about 7:30 am and was robbed of his wallet and cell phone by two men, and one of them had a rifle.  The suspects fled in their vehicle and he began to chase them in his car.  He didn’t have his cell phone so he pulled up to a person on the street and told them to call 911.  He lost the suspects and did not call the police.

The 23-year-old victim identified the two suspects detained by police as the responsibles who had robbed him.  The 49-year-old victim and several witnesses also responded to the traffic stop and identified the suspects.  Inside the vehicle, officers found a .22 caliber rifle, gloves, a bandana used during the robbery and ammunition.

Santos Martinez, 27-years-old of Modesto, was arrested for attempted robbery, robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in public and conspiracy.  He was also wanted by investigators for a prior charge of witness intimidation and a gang enhancement.  Eugene David DelFranco, 28-years-old of Modesto, was arrested for attempted robbery, robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and conspiracy.  Officers believe a third suspect was involved in the incident but have been unable to identify him at this point.

For More Information:
For information about this news release contact Sergeant Craig Gundlach at (209) 652-3184.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.  Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.