Burglars Crash Into Chicago Gas Station, Steal ATM

The thieves used a Jeep SUV to ram the front doors before fleeing with the cash machine.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of broken glass and twisted metal from a damaged gas station entrance, capturing the gritty aftermath of a burglary in stark, dramatic lighting.The aftermath of a brazen smash-and-grab robbery targeting a Chicago gas station exposes the growing problem of property crimes impacting local businesses.Chicago Today

Early Tuesday morning, burglars in Chicago's River North district targeted a BP gas station, using a white Jeep SUV to crash through the front doors twice and steal the ATM from the store. The thieves then fled the scene in a second getaway car, leaving behind the damaged Jeep. The gas station clerk was unharmed but shaken by the incident.

Why it matters

Smash-and-grab robberies targeting businesses, especially in urban areas, have become an increasing concern for local law enforcement and communities. These types of property crimes can lead to higher prices and insurance costs that ultimately impact consumers.

The details

According to the gas station clerk, the burglars rammed the front doors of the BP station located at the busy intersection of Chicago Avenue and Wells Street just after 5 a.m. A second car then pulled up, and the thieves transferred the stolen ATM into that vehicle before speeding away. The damaged Jeep used in the initial break-in was left behind at the scene.

  • The incident occurred just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Johnny Burchfield

A bystander who witnessed the aftermath of the crime and commented on the impact of such incidents on businesses and consumers.

The gas station clerk

An employee of the BP gas station who was working inside during the burglary and witnessed the thieves crashing through the front doors to steal the ATM.

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What they’re saying

“It sucks. It's a shame. You know, businesses getting hit, prices go up, and at the end, we pay for this damage.”

— Johnny Burchfield, Bystander

What’s next

Chicago police are investigating the incident and reviewing surveillance footage to try to identify the suspects and the vehicles used in the burglary.

The takeaway

This brazen smash-and-grab robbery highlights the ongoing challenges businesses and communities face in dealing with property crimes, which can have ripple effects on prices, insurance costs, and overall public safety.