Brazen 7-Eleven ATM theft in DC caught on camera

WASHINGTON - The brazen theft of an ATM at a 7-Eleven in Northwest D.C. was caught on camera early Friday morning.

The dramatic video was captured at the 7-Eleven located in the 200 block of Cedar Street, Northwest, near the Takoma Metro train station, at about 1:55 a.m.

Surveillance footage shows a blue Ford pickup truck backing into the store's window, smashing the glass and destroying part of the building.

Two suspects ran into the store and attempted to lift an ATM into the bed of the truck, but could not lift it. A third suspect had to help and all three suspects, who were wearing black clothing and masks, were able to put the ATM into the truck bed and takeoff after struggling with the ATM for about five minutes.

Investigators said the pickup truck, which was stolen on Thursday, was later found at the intersection of Piney Branch Road and Dahlia Street, Northwest.

Authorities said parts of the ATM were found at Piney Branch Road and Eastern Avenue, Northwest. The manager of the 7-Eleven told FOX 5 that one of the clerks working at the store at the time of the theft was taken to the hospital after being shaken up by the ordeal.

"The last four days, we have filed four shoplifting incidents, and a month-and-a-half ago, we got robbed at gunpoint here," said store manager Jasjeet Khanuja. "So it is not surprising. We have been asking for increased police presence and hopefully now with this incident, we can actually get it."

Investigators said these types of crimes are becoming more commonplace.

"It's all over the region," said D.C. Police Commander Will Manplaza. "Not just here. We have had several over the years and in the surrounding jurisdictions. I think those ATM machines are easier to steal because they are not connected to the wall like a traditional bank. They are kind of by themselves. They are not that heavy. So as you can see, a few people can actually pick it up and take it."

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call the Metropolitan Police Department's Command Information Center at (202) 727-9099.