A gas station clerk was so frightened after a smash and grab at his store in Macedonia earlier this week that he quit his job—even though he had only worked there for four days.
David Barber said he feared for his life when a group of men smashed a van into the BP on East Highland Road on July 4 and stole the ATM.
Barber told newsnet5.com that he locked himself in a freezer for 10 minutes during the scary ordeal.
"It was very frightening of course. I had never experienced anything like that in my life," Barber said.
According to a police report, a white passenger van crashed through the gas station just before 5:30 a.m.
Multiple men jumped out of the van and loaded the heavy ATM into the van.
Police believe this week's smash and grab could be connected to a similar case in Stow on June 24.
On that day, a van smashed into the 7-Eleven on Steels Corners Road just before 5 a.m.
Six to eight suspects grabbed the ATM and fled.
Police said the thieves may also be responsible for other store break-ins in Jackson Township, Cleveland, Parma and Shaker Heights. In some of the cases, the crooks failed to removed the money machines.
"Clearly, they don't have any concern for the well being of anyone or anyone's life because they're driving a huge vehicle thorough a building. It's going to continue until they stop," said Macedonia Officer Christian Costello.
Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these crimes. Anyone with information is asked to call 330-434-COPS.
