Raleigh police search for 3 suspects in violent ATM robbery
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Raleigh police are asking for the public's help identifying three men seen in surveillance photos.
The suspects are wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred at an ATM near the intersection of Trawick Road and New Bern Avenue on Nov. 25 shortly after 9:30 p.m.
Police say the 48-year-old man had just taken money out of the ATM when a man walked up, punched him in the face and stole his wallet and the cash he had withdrawn.
"One of them ran up really fast as I turned and he punched me really hard against the face. I've never been punched in my life, I mean in my whole life. And then two of them came up and they said, 'where's your money?' I said, 'He just took my money. He took my wallet I don't have any money,'" said the victim in a 911 call.
The other two men then kicked him and threatened him with a rod and took his watch.
"They took a stick and they literally were getting ready to hit me in the head. I mean they, they brought back in karate style they were getting ready, and I would have died. They would have killed me. I would have just been a bloody mess," said the victim.
The robbers ran away when another ATM customer drove up.
The suspects are described as black men thought to be in their teens to 20s.
Anyone with information is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit www.raleighcrimestoppers.org.
Meanwhile, here are some ATM safety tips from Raleigh police:
- Utilize an ATM located inside an open business whenever possible.
- Do your automated banking in a public, well-lighted location that is free of shrubbery and decorative partitions or dividers.
- Avoid using street ATMs during night time hours.
- Always pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings.
- Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction.
- Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby.
- When leaving an ATM make sure you are not being followed. If you are, drive immediately to a police or fire station, or to a crowded, well-lighted location or business.
- Do not use an ATM that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.
- Never count cash at the machine or in public. Wait until you are in your car or another secure place.
- When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.
- Maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the machine.
