CHICAGO — A second man has been charged in a months-long string of ATM burglaries across Chicago, where crews used stolen SUVs and chains to rip machines from storefronts, causing widespread damage and losses.
Suspect Identified Through DNA Evidence
Omar Farmer, 26, was arrested and charged after DNA found at two crime scenes and inside a stolen Jeep matched his profile, according to Chicago police. Farmer is now facing multiple counts of burglary, theft, and criminal damage, with Judge Susana Ortiz ordering his release pending trial.
The charges stem from a coordinated crew effort that struck at least 18 times between September 8 and December 24, 2024. One of the most damaging incidents occurred on Christmas Eve, when the crew allegedly used a Jeep and chains to pull the front door off Big Sam’s Food Mart and Cellular at 133 E. 75th Street, stealing an ATM that contained $13,600 in cash. The damage to the store was estimated at $5,000.
Back-To-Back Crimes On Christmas Eve
Later that same morning, prosecutors say the crew targeted Khalil’s Food and Liquor at 146 W. 103rd St. That store’s ATM had no cash inside, but the break-in still caused $7,000 in damages.
Police also linked Farmer to a December 17 burglary at Urban Beautique at 8822 S. Ashland Ave.
Arrest Followed Surveillance Operation
Farmer was placed under surveillance by detectives and was arrested with $2,295 in cash in his possession. According to reports, he told police he works as a landscaper. When shown the DNA and cellphone location evidence, Farmer reportedly denied any involvement.
Crime Pattern Spanned The City
According to a CPD community alert issued December 25, the same crew was connected to 18 separate ATM thefts across various Chicago neighborhoods, including:
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10600 block of South Torrence Avenue — Sept. 8
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10700 block of South Wentworth Avenue — Sept. 17
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8500 block of South Ashland Avenue — Oct. 6
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2300 block of West 111th Street — Nov. 14
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7800 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue — Dec. 17
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400 block of East 83rd Street — Dec. 17
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and several more across the South and Southeast Sides
The thefts were often carried out at night, with the group using SUVs and heavy chains to pull entire doors off businesses and extract the ATMs inside. Video surveillance from multiple incidents showed the suspects working in coordinated fashion, striking swiftly and fleeing before officers arrived.
Another Suspect Previously Charged
Earlier, Radonte Eatman, 25, was also charged in the same pattern. Authorities believe additional accomplices remain unidentified.
Have you seen similar suspicious activity involving SUVs and closed storefronts in your neighborhood? Share your observations or experiences in the comments to help raise community awareness.
