DURHAM, NC – Durham police have arrested 43-year-old Julio Geovanni Ortiz in connection with a string of armed ATM robberies that occurred across the city between December 15, 2024, and January 4, 2025.
Authorities believe Ortiz was involved in at least seven robberies, including two incidents on Christmas Day. Victims were held at gunpoint or knifepoint while withdrawing money from Wells Fargo ATMs in Durham, police said Tuesday.
Details of the ATM Robberies
Police reports indicate that multiple incidents followed a similar pattern, with suspects ambushing victims immediately after they withdrew cash.
Timeline of the Robberies
• December 15 – 2800 block of Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard
• Two men were robbed by two suspects, one armed with a knife and the other with a bat.
• December 25 (Christmas Day) – 2800 block of Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard
• A Hispanic man was targeted by a suspect brandishing a handgun while leaving the ATM.
• December 25 (Christmas Day) – 900 block of W. Club Boulevard
• Two men were robbed by two suspects, one with a knife and the other with a handgun.
• December 28 – 900 block of W. Club Boulevard
• A Hispanic man and woman were ambushed by two suspects, armed with a knife and a handgun, after withdrawing cash.
• January 2 – 900 block of W. Club Boulevard
• A Hispanic woman was robbed at gunpoint by a lone suspect.
• January 2 – 2800 block of Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard
• Two men were confronted by two suspects, armed with a knife and a gun, and forced to hand over cash.
• January 4 – 900 block of W. Club Boulevard
• A Hispanic man was robbed by one suspect immediately after withdrawing money.
Targeted Attacks Raise Concerns
Durham police have not confirmed whether Hispanic ATM customers were specifically targeted, but this pattern has raised concerns within the community.
“Investigators believe multiple suspects were involved in these robberies,” police said in an official statement.
This is not the first time Durham authorities have investigated a string of robberies targeting Hispanic residents. Similar incidents were reported in both 2023 and 2024.
Suspect Arrested and Held Without Bond
Ortiz was arrested on January 4, the same day as the final reported robbery. He is currently being held at the Durham County Detention Center.
Police are seeking additional suspects who may have been involved in these crimes.
How to Report Information
Authorities urge anyone with information about these robberies or additional victims to contact Durham police:
• Investigator Osborne – (919) 560-4440, Ext. 29241
• Durham CrimeStoppers – (919) 683-1200 or online at durhamcrimestoppers.org
CrimeStoppers offers up to $2,000 in rewards for tips that lead to an arrest. Callers can remain anonymous.
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