2 arrested after robbery, pursuit in West Fresno County

Two Dos Palos men have been arrested in connection with two separate armed robberies that occurred over the weekend, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said.

The first robbery happened around 1:30 Saturday afternoon in western Fresno County between Mendota and Firebaugh. The victim told deputies he was robbed of his cell phone and truck keys at gunpoint by two men driving a dark Kia SUV.

About 10 minutes later, a second armed robbery was reported from a canal bank. The victim, who was fishing at the time, also reported being robbed at gunpoint by two men who stole his cash, cell phone, and car. He told deputies the two suspects drove off in a gray Kia SUV and his silver PT Cruiser.

Shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday, the Firebaugh Police arrested 34-year-old Gary Dean Bunyard after, they say, he crashed into another vehicle near 10th and N Street in a Kia SUV.

About the same time, Mendota Police saw the stolen PT Cruiser driving on Highway 33 through the city and tried to pull over the driver. The driver attempted to get away and police pursued the suspect at speeds up to 90 miles per hour, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. They said the suspect, 31-year-old Michael John Bryant, suddenly stopped near Derrick Avenue and Clarkson Avenue and ran on foot. Bryant was caught and taken into custody.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said both Bryant and Bunyard were identified as being involved in the crimes. Bryant faces charges of carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of stolen property. Bunyard was arrested on charges of carjacking and armed robbery. Both were later booked into the Fresno County Jail.