SUV Smashes Through Avondale Gas Station in Bold ATM Theft

CHICAGO (ABC7) — An early morning crash-and-grab heist left an Avondale gas station severely damaged after a crew drove an SUV through the storefront to steal the ATM, Chicago Police reported.

The burglary occurred on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 2:50 a.m. Police said a group of three suspects drove a dark-colored SUV directly into the front of a gas station located in the 3300 block of North Kimball Avenue, shattering the glass doors and frame.

Suspects Target ATM and Flee

After breaching the front, the three suspects got out of the SUV, entered the minimart, and targeted the ATM. The crew was able to grab the machine, load it back into the SUV, and drive away from the scene before police could arrive. The entire heist was completed within minutes, leaving the shop owner with a ruined facade and a major cleanup operation.

No injuries were reported in the crash, as the convenience store was closed for the night. Area Five detectives are currently reviewing security footage from the gas station and neighboring properties to identify the vehicle and suspects.

Widespread Spree of Vehicle-Ramming Heists

This Avondale incident occurred just two hours before a similarly executed crash-and-grab burglary in West Englewood on Ashland Avenue. In both cases, a dark Jeep or SUV was used to break through the storefronts of local businesses to access and remove cash machines, highlighting an ongoing security challenge for Chicago's late-night businesses.

The Chicago Police Department urges anyone with information or footage of the Kimball Avenue break-in to contact detectives.