Cypress Police prevented a potential bank ATM theft early on Monday, Feb. 4, when a patrol officer witnessed a suspicious truck parked next to Chase Bank located at 10011 Valley View.
Cypress Police prevented a potential bank ATM theft early on Monday, Feb. 4, when a patrol officer witnessed a suspicious truck parked next to Chase Bank located at 10011 Valley View.
The officer observed a suspicious vehicle backed into a free-standing ATM outside the newly constructed bank. When the officer entered the parking lot to investigate, the vehicle fled the area. It preceded to crash into two parked cars in a nearby residential area.
A perimeter was immediately established and the suspect, Alen Herttua was taken into custody. An investigation revealed that the vehicle, a 26’ cargo truck with a hydraulic lift on the back, had been stolen the night before in Anaheim. The suspects lowered the lift and were using it to shear the ATM off its foundation.
Since the officer interrupted the crime, the suspects were unable to remove the ATM from its foundation. However, they caused approximately $40,000 in damage to the ATM and property with additional damages associated to the collision. The stolen truck was recovered at the scene.
An additional suspect is described as a white, thin built male approximately 170 lbs., with a goatee, wearing a black watch cap, and a black pull over hooded sweatshirt.
Shan Alen Herttua was charged with attempted grand theft, felony vandalism, resisting arrest, theft of vehicle, as well as hit and run.
There is an on-going investigation into the identification of the additional suspects. If you have any information pertaining to the crime, please contact Detective Marshall at 714-229-6635.