Bank Drive-up ATM User Robbed At Gunpoint In Wall

Wall Township police are warning people to be alert after an armed man robbed a person using the drive-up ATM at a Route 35 bank on Sunday evening.

Wall Lt. Pete Lokerson said police were called shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday to the Bank of America at the corner of Route 35 and 18th Avenue. The victim told police he was using the drive-up ATM machine when he was approached by a man armed with a handgun who said he was a police officer, Lokerson said.

The gunman then ordered the victim to withdraw cash from the ATM, took the cash and the victim’s car keys and ran off toward 18th Avenue, Lokerson said.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, about 6 feet tall with dark eyes and dark eyebrows. He was wearing a blue scarf wrapped around his face and head, a dark-colored jacket and pants, Lokerson said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officers, Detective Rick Pasqualini and Sgt. Chris Scerbo, at 732-449-4800. or the shift supervisor at 732-449-4500.

Lokerson said the public needs to remember the following safety tips when using ATM machines:

• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you observe or sense suspicious people or circumstances, do not use the machine at that time and contact the police.
• Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout your entire transaction.
• Have your ATM card out and ready prior to approaching the ATM machine. Do not wait to get to the ATM machine and take your card out of your wallet or purse.
• Do not count your cash at the machine or in public
• When using a drive up ATM machine, keep your vehicle running, passenger windows up and your doors locked. If leaving your car and walking to an ATM, park in a well-lit area and lock your car.