Fresno authorities arrest 4 suspects in string of robberies

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- After a string of robberies in the past six weeks, Fresno authorities believe they've caught up with the people responsible. The Fresno Police Department says 900 investigative hours went into making four robbery arrests.

In 11 robberies, $7,400 in cash was stolen, plus high-end alcohol, DVRs and lotto tickets. The Fresno County district attorney says it was those lotto tickets that helped lead authorities to those responsible.

"Approximately an hour after the robbery, the Lottery Commission informed our detective that some winning numbers -- winning tickets met with matching serial numbers -- were cashed at several different convenience stores in Fresno," said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.

After obtaining a fingerprint off a scratcher, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office was able to identify a suspect.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says there have been 69 commercial robberies in Fresno so far this year, compared to 40 this same time last year.