Masked robbers point ARs at guard in bold ATM heist caught on chilling video

A chilling and brazen robbery was captured on video in Memphis, Tennessee, as a group of masked and armed thieves targeted a cash-in-transit guard at an ATM. The intense footage, released by the Memphis Police Department, was recorded on the guard’s body camera and provides a harrowing look at the crime. The incident took place at the First Horizon Bank located at 140 Mitchell Road on the morning of February 14 at around 8:20 a.m. The guard, who has not been named, was servicing the ATM when the robbery unfolded.

The video begins with the guard opening the door of his armored truck and accessing the base of the ATM, where several cash boxes were exposed. Unbeknownst to the guard, a white Nissan Altima had pulled up behind the ATM, and within seconds, three masked and armed men swarmed around him. The thieves, wielding assault rifles, quickly took control of the situation. “Don’t do it, don’t do it!” one of the thieves shouted at the guard, while another commanded, “Don’t move,” as they pointed their weapons directly at him. The sound of the weapons clicking added to the tension, and the guard, realizing the gravity of the situation, complied with their demands.

The suspects, described by police as Black males in their mid-20s, moved with a sense of urgency and coordination. Two of the thieves were seen pulling three large cash boxes from the ATM while the third suspect kept his weapon trained on the guard. The entire operation appeared to be well-planned, with the men working swiftly to minimize their time at the scene. Once they had grabbed the cash boxes, the trio hurried back to their getaway car—a white Nissan Altima—and sped away from the bank. The exact amount of cash stolen has not been disclosed, but authorities described it as a “large amount.”

The Memphis Police Department has released detailed descriptions of the suspects in hopes of identifying them. One suspect is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black hoodie, black pants, red gloves, and a black ski mask. The second suspect is slightly taller, at 5 feet 11 inches, with an average build. He was wearing a red and white jacket with a “Coke” label, blue jeans, gray gloves, and a black ski mask. The third suspect, also 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build, was dressed similarly to the first suspect, wearing a black hoodie, black pants, red gloves, and a black ski mask. Despite these descriptions, the suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.

The robbery is particularly concerning given the brazen nature of the crime, which occurred in broad daylight and involved the use of assault rifles. The video footage has raised questions about the safety of cash-in-transit operations and the measures in place to protect guards and prevent such crimes. The Memphis Police Department has urged anyone with information about the suspects or their whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in solving the case.

Interestingly, this incident comes at a time when Memphis has seen an overall decline in crime. According to data cited by LocalMemphis.com, total crime in the city decreased by 13.3% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with homicides dropping by 30% and motor vehicle thefts reducing by 39%. While these statistics suggest progress in combating crime, the daring nature of this robbery highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in keeping communities safe. The case serves as a stark reminder that crime remains a persistent issue, even in areas where progress has been made.

As the investigation continues, the Memphis Police Department is working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice. The release of the bodycam footage not only serves as a tool for identifying the perpetrators but also underscores the dangers faced by individuals working in cash handling and transportation. For now, the community remains on high alert, and authorities are counting on public support to help solve the case and ensure that those responsible for this shocking crime are held accountable.