The incident occurred around 3:30 am when the thieves arrived in a stolen black SUV. One suspect smashed the store’s glass entrance and entered the premises, while the second remained in the vehicle outside. Inside, the intruder attached a metal cable to the ATM, signaling his accomplice to drive the SUV forward.

As the vehicle accelerated, the ATM was violently dragged from its base, tearing through the front doors, glass panels, interior shelves, and scattering merchandise throughout the store. During a second attempt to remove the machine, the cable snagged on another vehicle, detaching and preventing the suspects from escaping with the ATM.

Both the ATM and the SUV were subsequently abandoned. Police later recovered the stolen SUV a short distance from the store. Authorities believe the thieves may have fled on foot or in another vehicle. No injuries were reported.

CCTV footage captured the sequence, showing the coordinated effort of the suspects, who were described as wearing black hoodies, black pants, face masks, and orange gloves. The White Settlement Police Department is investigating potential links between this incident and two recent ATM theft attempts in nearby areas.

Police have appealed to the public for any information for any information that could help identify or locate the suspects. The convenience store sustained significant structural damage, highlighting the risks posed by such brazen thefts, especially during holiday hours when security personnel are minimal.

Authorities are continuing to investigate and urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. The case underscores a growing trend of ATM thefts using vehicles as tools to forcibly remove machines, a method increasingly seen across Texas in recent weeks.