Images Show Suspects Attempting To Steal Several Wall-Mounted ATMs
LOUISVILLE, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Louisville are looking for two suspects who are trying to steal ATMs.
Around 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday, police say the criminals forcibly removed a wall-mounted ATM near 12 Degree Brewing and B.O.B.S. Diner on Main Street. According to detectives, one suspect managed to hook the machine up to an SUV while a second suspect accelerated the vehicle to pull the ATM out from store front.
The suspects also tried to break into other ATMs at commercial locations in downtown Louisville. Surveillance cameras snapped photos of the suspects, including one of the suspects' vehicle, which is described as a dark SUV.
Police released the surveillance photos Thursday hoping someone recognizes the man or vehicle in the images.
"He was in disguise," said Louisville Police Detective Ryan Morris. "But I think maybe somebody will recognize these distinctive yellow gloves he was wearing, there's a very unique mask he was wearing covering his face."
As he headed into work Wednesday morning, Jake Mertes, a Louisville resident and employee at B.O.B.S. Diner, says he was surprised to find crime scene tape blocking off a section of Main Street.
"It was just bizarre, it's not something you see every day," Mertes said, noting Louisville's low crime rate.
Police believe a patrol officer driving down Main Street Wednesday morning spooked the suspects and foiled the crime in progress. Morris says the officer noticed suspicious activity near a dark SUV, and by the time she turned her vehicle around and made it back to that spot the suspects were gone. They'd left the damaged ATM lying on the sidewalk. There's no indication they were able to steal any cash.
Mertes says maintenance crews had replaced siding and repainted the damaged wall frame by Wednesday evening.
"It was probably a hairbrained scheme at the end of a late night that wasn't too well planned," Mertes said. "A tow truck had to come in to remove the damaged ATM so I don't think you're going to just load that into the trunk and go anywhere."
The suspects face criminal mischief, attempted burglary, and attempted felony theft charges. Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call Louisville Police.
Additional Information From The Louisville Police Department
The Louisville Police Department requests the community's assistance in identifying the suspects in these crimes. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects, or with any information about this incident, is asked to call Detective Corporal Ryan Morris at 303-335-4673 or Northern Colorado CrimeStoppers at the below phone number or email address. You may remain anonymous and also may be eligible for a reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Lauren DiSpirito is CBS4's Northern Newsroom reporter. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.
