Suspects Flee After Ripping ATM from Blythewood Bank

Richland County deputies investigate attempted theft at First Community Bank.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked ATM screen reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of an attempted theft.The aftermath of an attempted ATM theft exposes the vulnerability of banking infrastructure in some communities.Blythewood Today

Richland County deputies responded to an alarm at a Blythewood, South Carolina bank early Friday morning to find an ATM that had been forcibly removed from the ground using a stolen pickup truck. The suspects fled the scene without taking any money from the damaged machine.

Why it matters

ATM thefts and robberies have become an increasing problem in many communities, often resulting in significant property damage and disrupting access to banking services. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in deterring and apprehending suspects involved in these types of crimes.

The details

According to the Richland County Sheriff's Department, deputies were called to the First Community Bank in Blythewood around 2:40 a.m. on Friday after an alarm was triggered. At the scene, they found an ATM that had been "forcibly removed from the ground and left lying on its side." While the machine was cracked, no money was taken. Security footage reportedly shows a pickup truck being used to pull the ATM from its foundation. Authorities believe the truck was stolen from the Charlotte, North Carolina area and may be connected to another attempted ATM theft.

  • The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Richland County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the attempted ATM theft in Blythewood, South Carolina.

First Community Bank

The bank located in Blythewood, South Carolina where the ATM was forcibly removed from the ground.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and search for the suspects involved. They are also working to determine if the stolen truck and this attempted theft are connected to any other similar crimes in the region.

The takeaway

This brazen ATM theft highlights the ongoing challenge communities face in deterring and apprehending suspects targeting banking infrastructure. Law enforcement will need to remain vigilant in tracking down the perpetrators and exploring ways to better secure ATMs against such criminal activity.