MANSFIELD — Authorities in a number of jurisdictions in Richland County are investigating multiple ATM robberies at gunpoint in the last few days.
According to reports, incidents took place on back-to-back days in front of Mechanics Bank ATMs. The first occurred on Sunday in Ontario. The second was Monday night on Ashland Road in Mansfield.
The latest report came from two teenage girls, who said they were accosted by a man wearing a mask at 980 Ashland Road on Monday, Jan. 9, at about 8:20 p.m. The man demanded money from the teens, took $40, and then fled on foot.
Anyone with information should call the Richland County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit at 419-774-5610 or dispatch at 419-524-2412.
“Similar incidents recently occurred in Ontario and Mansfield,” said Maj. Joe Masi, of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. “Please contact those jurisdictions for information on theirs.”
Another incident took place on Sunday, Jan. 8. Ontario police said a woman was robbed at gunpoint in front of the Mechanics Bank ATM.
According to authorities, this victim was in a car with her young son when she pulled up to the Park Avenue West and Lexington-Springmill Road South location at about 12:15 p.m. The victim said a man approached on foot from the west and pointed a gun at her head demanding as much money as she could withdraw.
She took out an undisclosed sum, gave it to the robber and then drove away as he ordered. He exited the scene heading south. The woman drove away and called police just before 12:30 p.m.
He was described as more than 6 feet tall with a stocky build. He wore a gray-hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Anyone with information on this robbery should call 419-529-2115.
