Attempted ATM Theft at Epic Academy Barber School in Belmont Cragin

CHICAGO — Authorities are searching for a suspect who attempted to steal an automated teller machine (ATM) from the Epic Academy Barber School in Chicago's Belmont Cragin neighborhood, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The attempted burglary occurred at the intersection of Diversey and Kilpatrick avenues. According to the Chicago Police Department, an unidentified individual breached the entrance of the barber school in the early morning hours. Once inside, the suspect targeted the facility's ATM, attempting to dislodge and remove the heavy machine from the premises. Despite causing substantial damage to the building's entry and the machine itself, the burglar was unable to secure the cash and ultimately fled the scene empty-handed.

The owner and staff of Epic Academy Barber School expressed shock over the incident, which disrupted normal operations and left the school with costly repairs. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the school's security cameras and neighboring commercial properties to identify the suspect, who is believed to have fled in a vehicle waiting nearby. Business owners in Belmont Cragin are being reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious nighttime activity to the Chicago Police Department's Area 5 detectives.