A series of armed robberies in Fresno may finally be over. Police arrested Jules Hollis, Darrell Johnson and Rozelle Summerise. Investigators believe the suspects robbed seven businesses in Fresno, one in Madera and five in Northern California. The businesses ranged from gas stations to high-end fashion stores. In one case, it only took 26 seconds to steal hundreds of dollars. The Foods Co in Northwest Fresno, where Kym Sears shops, was one of the businesses hit.
“I thought, ‘oh my gosh this is the store I shop at,’ and it was kind of scary,” said Sears, a Fresno resident.
Police say in three weeks time, seven Fresno businesses were held up. The methods changed with suspects sometimes wearing disguises. Investigators believe Summerise was at the center of it all. They found evidence at an apartment in Northwest Fresno.
“We were able to locate extensive clothing that was used by the suspect to include the wig, two baseball caps, sunglasses, nylon mask, gloves, and the 38 caliber handgun that was used in the robberies,” said Chief Jerry Dyer of the Fresno Police Department.
Dyer says investigators got a lead with video surveillance. They also learned the suspect and his two accomplices were allegedly hitting high end fashion stores in Northern California. They apparently stole over $100,000 dollars worth of merchandise.
“These are Fresno criminals, home-grown Fresno criminals that were not only committing armed robberies in the City of Fresno, City of Madera, but also several Northern California cities. And it's good to see them off the street,” said Dyer.
Some Fresno residents say they’re glad their community may be a little safer.
“That is a great thing. As long as they're arrested and prosecuted by the law,” said Kenneth Cupps, who got gasoline at one of the places that was held up.
The suspects are alleged gang members. Summerise was a wanted parolee at large. He’s now in the Fresno County Jail with bail set at over a half million dollars.