Two armed robberies reported on Gainesville's south side

GAINESVILLE - Hall County authorities are investigating two armed robberies that occurred within a mile of one another Wednesday night.

Sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks said the first incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. in the 100 block of McConnell Drive.

"Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the victim was walking back to his residence on McConnell Drive when he was approached by three Hispanic males dressed in dark clothing and armed with handguns," Wilbanks said. "The subjects took the victim's wallet, phone and keys before fleeing the scene on foot."

Wilbanks said less than an hour later, five Hispanic males broke into a home in the 100 block of Williams Street, forced the residents to lie on the floor at gunpoint and stole a cell phone, cash, identification documents and jewelry from them.

He said its unknown at this time whether or not the robberies are related. No one was injured in either incident.