LONG BEACH, Calif. – Three men have been arrested in connection with a string of ATM thefts and attempted cash machine burglaries across Long Beach, the Long Beach Police Department announced Friday.
According to investigators, the suspects used a stolen SUV to yank free stand-alone ATMs by wrapping them in a heavy-duty chain and dragging them away. The group is believed to be responsible for multiple similar thefts in the area, including two gas station ATM heists on Paramount Boulevard and Long Beach Boulevard in mid-July.
Police say the suspects fled the scene of the Long Beach Boulevard theft in their vehicle — but not before allegedly striking a female pedestrian in a hit-and-run. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries, and the suspects fled without rendering aid.
The suspects have been identified as:
Luis Torres, 36, of Lynwood
Richard Moran, 29, of Compton
Clarence Hardiman, 32, of Compton
All three are being held without bail and face multiple charges, including:
Grand theft
Burglary
Vandalism
Hit-and-run resulting in serious bodily injury
During the investigation, officers recovered a large chain resembling those used in the thefts, along with a stolen vehicle and stolen motorcycle, further linking the men to the series of crimes.
The Long Beach Police Department is urging any additional witnesses or victims to come forward.
