Second man charged in burglary crew that used SUVs and chains to steal ATMs

Chicago Burglary Crew Member Identified Through DNA Evidence

Chicago prosecutors have announced the identification of another member of a prolific burglary crew that targeted storefronts across the city, using stolen SUVs to steal ATMs. The crew, responsible for at least 18 incidents between September and Christmas Eve, has been linked to 26-year-old Omar Farmer.

Farmer, along with 25-year-old Radonte Eatman and other accomplices, allegedly used a Jeep and chains to break into Big Sam’s Food Mart and Cellular on 75th Street on December 24. The ATM in the store contained $13,600 in cash, and the business suffered $5,000 in damages. Less than an hour later, the crew targeted Khalil’s Food and Liquor on 103rd Street, causing $7,000 in damages.

In a separate incident on December 17, Farmer was also involved in a burglary at Urban Beautique on Ashland Avenue.

Police were able to identify Farmer through DNA evidence found in one of the stolen vehicles and at the crime scenes. Despite the evidence, Farmer denied any involvement during questioning. However, he was placed under surveillance by the police and subsequently arrested.

Farmer, who claimed to work as a landscaper, was found with $2,295 in cash at the time of his arrest. Judge Susana Ortiz released him to await trial on charges of burglary, theft, and criminal damage.

The Chicago Police Department issued a community alert in December linking the crew to a total of 18 ATM thefts since September. Surveillance footage released by the police showed the crew using chains and SUVs to carry out the burglaries.

In addition to the incidents Farmer and Eatman are charged with, the crew is also linked to ATM thefts at various locations across the city, including Torrence Avenue, Wentworth Avenue, 79th Street, Monterey Avenue, Ashland Avenue, Brainard Avenue, 111th Street, Vincennes Avenue, 87th Street, 106th Street, 79th Street, Halsted Street, Cottage Grove Avenue, and Halsted Street.

The investigation into the burglary crew is ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the series of thefts.