Authorities have arrested a man in a string of ATM robberies at 7-Eleven stores across the DMV, where robbers used hydraulic rescue tools known as “jaws of life” and in some cases made off with security footage.
The arrest warrant for 31-year-old Stefon Janey, of Prince George’s County, reveals how the group used high-powered luxury vehicles to hit several locations in one night.
A black Jeep Trackhawk was the group’s most frequently used getaway vehicle, according to the arrest warrant. The robbers also used Dodge Durango Hellcats and Mercedes SUVs to evade law enforcement and commit the robberies.
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Janey faces charges in four robberies that took place on Jan. 15 and four more on Jan.17.
In each case, robbers in ski masks would corral clerks to the back of the stories and then open ATMs using tools typically used by firefighters: a heavy-duty pry bar called a Halligan bar and a hydraulic spreader commonly known as the “jaws of life.”
A number of the crimes were captured on security cameras that the suspects had unsuccessfully tried to disable.
At the time, the police chief in Hyattsville, where two of the robberies took place, indicated the group’s suspected crimes likely go back to last year.
“We are working in partnership with Prince George’s County police and other agencies on that string,” Chief Jarod Towers said in January.
The arrest warrant for Janey said detectives were able to analyze location data from a cellphone believed to be used by him, showing it was present at the approximate location and time during which the ATM robberies occurred.
The owner of a store targeted twice said she’s grateful for the apparent break in the case, even though 7-Eleven has told her she is not allowed to have an ATM at the location anymore.
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Prince George's County police have asked anyone with information about Janey's location to call 301-516-2830.
A $10,000 reward is available for information leading to the arrest and indictment of additional suspects, PGPD said.
Editor's Note (Thursday, March 14): This story was updated to reflect that Janey's arrest had not been announced when this story was published. Police later said he was arrested late Wednesday.
