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Several police agencies announced today they are looking for the same man: a man who is accused of taking money from people at ATMs. It's happened at least nine times in the past six weeks.
Police have ATM camera footage of the suspect robbing people, but officers say they still they need your help to find him.
"We feel this individual could become quite dangerous because he has displayed a handgun," said Capt. Tom McLachlan, spokesman for the West Valley Police Department.
Today, McLachlan and officers from several other police agencies held a press conference at the West Valley Police Department to announce this robber has, so far, avoided capture.
"We have a great concern that his attempts could be violent. I think there's a high probability that he may be addicted to narcotics and may get desperate," McLachlan said.
Here's how the bad guy has been working: He waits until someone is alone at an ATM -- outside or inside -- then approaches them, threatens them, takes their money and runs. He's hit four ATMs in West Valley, one three different times, along with a tanning salon, an oil changing place and a Baskin Robbins.
The robber is also wanted for ATM cases in Taylorsville, Magna and Holladay. Salt Lake County Undersheriff Scott Carver says it's only a matter of time before the ATM robber is caught. "We are going to find you, and we are going to arrest you," he said.
The suspect is described as a white man in his early 20s, between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall, having a thin build. He seems to always be wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a bandanna wrapped around his mouth.
"This is a relentless individual, and we are going to be pursuing him relentlessly," Carver said.
Police also wanted to pass along some ATM safety tips: Always be aware of your surroundings. If you go to a drive-up ATM, keep your doors locked. If you see anybody suspicious at or near an ATM, call police.
A $5,000 reward is being offered in these latest cases. If you have any information that would be helpful to police, contact the West Valley Police Department at 801-840-4000 or the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office at 801-743-7000.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
