Suspected Thieves Ram Washington Walgreens in Bold ATM Heist Attempt
TACOMA, Wash. — A brazen attempt to steal an ATM from a Walgreens in Pierce County was captured on surveillance video, revealing a coordinated effort by multiple suspects using stolen vehicles to smash through a storefront and drag the machine across a parking lot before fleeing the scene. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office released the footage showing a stolen truck repeatedly ramming the store’s security gate before two individuals jumped out, chained the ATM, and attempted to haul it free. The suspects caused thousands of dollars in damage during the early morning incident on December 4, 2025.
Deputies responded to reports of a burglary in progress around 3:30 a.m. and arrived to find the storefront heavily damaged and the ATM missing. Witnesses reported seeing the stolen truck speeding away, dragging the ATM behind it. A second truck connected to the crime was spotted nearby, apparently attempting to retrieve the ATM after it detached from the chain during the getaway. When law enforcement approached, the suspects abandoned the machine and fled in the second vehicle, which was later found abandoned in Tacoma.
Investigators described the heist as clearly coordinated, involving multiple suspects and vehicles working in tandem. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has appealed to the public for information to help identify the individuals and vehicles involved, emphasizing the significant property damage and the potential for further attempts if the perpetrators are not apprehended.
The video, posted by the sheriff’s office, prompted several citizens to come forward reporting sightings of the suspects and trucks earlier that night. Authorities noted that while some observers found the behavior suspicious, they did not report it until after the crime was publicized. This incident underscores growing concerns about organized theft rings targeting ATMs and retail establishments, especially during the holiday season.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and encourages anyone with information to contact them. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in combating coordinated burglaries involving stolen vehicles and heavy equipment, a tactic increasingly observed in criminal enterprises nationwide.
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Pierce County official website. Additional resources on crime prevention and reporting can be found through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. To learn about broader crime statistics and safety tips, the Bureau of Justice Statistics provides comprehensive data and analysis.
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