WASHINGTON — Authorities in several Maryland jurisdictions are investigating a theft and attempted theft involving gas station ATMs that occurred during the early morning hours Tuesday.
In the first incident, around 4 a.m., Anne Arundel County police said three suspects drove up to an Exxon gas station on Fort Meade Road near the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Laurel, Maryland, and stole an ATM right in front of the store clerk.
“The clerk reported that a white, Ford work-style van, occupied by three suspects, backed into the side of the store, breaking the store’s window,” said Lt. Ryan Frashure, a spokesman with Anne Arundel County police.
Investigators said two of the suspects then left the van and entered the store.
“The suspects picked up the free-standing ATM from inside the store, and placed it inside the back of the van,” Frashure said.
An hour later, about 13 miles away, there was another incident in Lanham, Maryland. A white van pulled up to a BP gas station on Annapolis Road and suspects tried, unsuccessfully, to steal an ATM, police said.
The machine was damaged during the attempted theft, and New Carrollton police said they witnessed a pair of suspects darting into the van as officers showed up.
“The suspects saw the officers so they jumped in the van and sped away,” said New Carrollton Police Chief David Rice.
The officers chased the van for a period of time, calling off the pursuit when they crossed the District line around Minnesota Avenue.
“The vehicle was driving so fast and hitting the speed bumps, our guys couldn’t keep up with it without wrecking or causing injury to themselves or others,” Rice said.
As of Tuesday morning, there were no suspects in custody, but Prince George’s County police said they recovered a vehicle near Pennsylvania and Southern avenues that may have been involved in one or both of the incidents.
“It’s early in the investigation,” said Cpl. Harry Bond, spokesman for the Prince George’s County police. “Officers are seeing if the two incidents are related and are gathering evidence.”
