October 11, 2026 – MODESTO, CA – Modesto Police Department officials report that a coordinated investigation involving Modesto Police patrol, Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) personnel, and detectives resulted in the arrest of a suspected serial bank robber within six hours of a downtown Modesto robbery. Investigators also linked the suspect to a similar robbery in Turlock two days earlier.

On October 2, 2026, at approximately 5:14 p.m., Modesto Police officers responded to the Bank of Stockton, located at 1302 J Street, following reports of a bank robbery. Investigators determined that the suspect, identified as Robert Vincent Mendez of Modesto, approached a teller and presented a note demanding money. Mendez obtained cash from the teller before fleeing on foot.

Mendez changed his appearance in a nearby alley, requested a ride through a local rideshare service, and left the city. Working with MPD’s Real-Time Crime Center personnel, patrol officers tracked his movements and located the vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and learned the driver had recently dropped Mendez off.

Modesto Police detectives continued the investigation and obtained a search warrant for records from the local rideshare service that helped positively identify Mendez. Investigators also connected him to a September 30, 2026, bank robbery at a U.S. Bank in Turlock. Detectives linked the robberies through similarities in the suspect’s methods and distinctive tattoos.

Further investigative efforts led detectives to Chicken Ranch Casino in Tuolumne County. Detectives confirmed Mendez was on the property, coordinated with casino security personnel, and took him into custody while he was actively gambling.

Less than six hours after the Modesto robbery, Mendez was in custody. During his arrest, detectives recovered some of the remaining cash concealed on his person, which investigators were able to identify as taken during the robbery.

During an interview, Mendez admitted to committing both the Modesto and Turlock robberies. Investigators also learned that Mendez had a history of bank robberies in Oregon and Washington and had previously served time in prison. Mendez additionally claimed responsibility for other robberies previously unknown to investigators. Those claims remain under investigation.

This investigation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police work and modern investigative technology. The combined efforts of patrol officers, RTCC personnel, detectives, law enforcement partners, and casino security resulted in the rapid apprehension of a suspected serial bank robber and the recovery of a substantial portion of the stolen funds.

Mendez was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of bank robbery, commercial burglary, and possession of narcotics. The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: Modesto Police Department