Over a span of just three weeks, a group of men carried out a series of ATM thefts at convenience stores across Prince George’s County, Maryland, often using hydraulic rescue tools known as the “Jaws of Life,” police reported.
Authorities estimate that around $200,000 was stolen during these heists, which primarily took place at 24-hour convenience stores.
On Monday, Prince George’s County officials announced that three men from Washington, D.C., are now facing a total of 95 charges in connection with the crimes. Between January 29 and February 22, the group successfully carried out five robberies and attempted a sixth.
Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz confirmed that in each case, the suspects used the powerful extraction tools to break into the ATMs and seize the cash.
The suspects were identified as 39-year-old David Walker, facing 45 charges; 33-year-old Jeff Crews, facing 43 charges; and 34-year-old Maurice Roots, facing seven charges. At the time of the announcement, Walker and Crews were still in custody in D.C.
“We don’t care where you go—if you commit a crime in Prince George’s County, we will track you down and bring you to justice,” Aziz stated.
Acting County Executive Tara Jackson emphasized the impact these crimes have had on the community. “For months, individuals have been terrorizing our neighborhoods by robbing ATMs,” she said, thanking law enforcement for their efforts. “Every resident should not only be safe but feel safe.”
Aziz credited strong collaboration with regional police departments for helping to solve the case.
When asked whether restricting the hours of 24-hour convenience stores could help prevent future robberies, Aziz cautioned against penalizing businesses that played no role in the crimes. “We have to be very careful about making businesses that aren’t complicit in these acts part of the problem,” he said.
