Suspected ATM Vandal Charged Due to Public Tips: Police

Social media tips led police to the suspect in several attempted thefts from ATMS in Howard County, officials said.

Scott Joseph Costa, 26, of the 9500 block of Jeanne Court in Laurel, is charged with three counts of attempted theft, three counts of malicious destruction of property, burglary and two counts of attempted burglary, according to police.

Authorities said that on Nov. 21, Costa tried to pry open an ATM at Bank of America in the 8600 block of Washington Boulevard in Jessup; tried to pry open the doors of AMA Systems in the 8100 block of Lark Brown Road in Elkridge; and try to pry open and damage an ATM at the Bank of America in the 8800 block of Centre Park Drive in Columbia.

When the Howard County Police Department posted surveillance photos of the suspect on its Twitter and Facebook pages, officials said the feedback was critical.

“...residents provided an overwhelming number of tips...” the Howard County Police Department said in a statement Friday.

After investigation, police identified Costa as the suspect and charged him.

Costa was arrested at his home in Laurel on Wednesday and released from the Howard County Detention Center that day on $15,000 bond, police said. He is scheduled to appear in Howard County District Court on Feb. 23, 2016.

“The police department appreciates the community’s assistance and collaboration to help close these cases,” police said in a statement.

According to police, detectives are looking into whether Costa may be linked to other incidents.

Photo Credit: Howard County Police Department.