The Hall County Sheriff's Office is investigating two Wednesday night armed robberies in Gainesville, and investigators say it's possible they are connected.

The first incident occurred in the 100 block of McConnell Drive around 10:45 p.m. The victim was walking to his home when he was attacked by three Hispanic men carrying guns.

"As (the victim) was walking back, a man stepped out from behind some bushes and pointed a handgun at him and told him to give him everything that he had," Hall County Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks said.

The suspects stole the victim's wallet, containing approximately $200, as well as his phone and keys.

Less than an hour later, deputies responded to a home invasion and armed robbery in the 100 block of Williams Street — less than a mile from the previous armed robbery.

Wilbanks said the victim was asleep when five Hispanic men wearing dark clothes broke in.

"He was asleep in his bed when he was awakened by these individuals and they ordered him out of bed at gunpoint, to lie down on the floor," Wilbanks said.

The victim told deputies the suspects probably unlocked a door through a broken window on the door.

"They did not have forced entry," Wilbanks said.
Investigators are exploring the possibility the two incidents are connected. Wilbanks said it's possible five suspects were involved in the McConnell Drive robbery, but the victim only reported three.

"All the victim reported was three, but at that time of night it's dark, so the others very well could have been concealed somewhere," Wilbanks said.

There was no assault reported in either incident and neither victim was injured.

Both cases remain under investigation and anyone with information should contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office at 770-531-6879.