Tempe Police Utilize Video Game Console Data to Solve Multi-State ATM Robbery
TEMPE, Ariz. – Authorities in Tempe, Arizona, have made significant progress in identifying suspects linked to a multi-state ATM robbery scheme, thanks to data retrieved from a PlayStation 5 console.
The Incident
On November 5, 2024, an ATM at a Bank of America branch in Tempe was targeted by three men, captured on surveillance cameras conducting the robbery at approximately 10 a.m. Reports indicate that the suspects took advantage of ATM technicians who were present for maintenance, compelling them to leave before absconding with money cassettes.
According to Jessica Ells from the Tempe Police Department, “There were some ATM technicians out fixing one of the drive-through ATMs, and our suspects used that opportunity to approach the ATM. They asked the technicians to leave and then that’s when they stole cassettes out of the ATM.” These cassettes contained cash and had built-in GPS tracking.
Tracking the Evidence
The GPS data embedded in the stolen cassettes enabled officers to quickly locate their whereabouts, allowing police to trace them within an hour of the heist. In their investigation, Tempe Police discovered the vehicle—a rental car—abandoned nearby along with the stolen cassettes.
Inside the vehicle, a PlayStation 5 console and controller were found. “Investigators were able to gather account information from that PS5 and that account information is what led them to social media accounts linked to that,” Ells explained. This crucial information helped authorities identify the suspects through their online profiles.
Additionally, dashcam footage from the getaway car corroborated the suspects’ presence at the crime scene.
Amount Stolen and Linked Crimes
The ATM theft resulted in a loss of nearly $280,000. Ells confirmed that the investigation indicated potential connections to other similar robberies across different states. “It does appear that they are linked to other robberies in other states that all occurred in a very similar manner with approaching these ATMs and taking the cassettes,” she reported.
Arrests Made
Three individuals were detained in Houston, Texas: Maurice Brooks, Micah Lazaro, and Anthony Smith. Currently, two of the suspects have been extradited to Arizona, while the third is awaiting extradition facing federal charges.
Public Safety Message
Ells issued a reminder to the public regarding safety measures when using ATMs: “Just always be aware of your surroundings. Be aware if anyone might be following you home or following you to your car. It’s always important just to be aware that that situation could happen.”
