Suspect backs truck into store, steals ATM

A man drove a truck into a Costa Mesa liquor store and took off with an ATM early Wednesday, police said.

He backed a Toyota pickup through the storefront window of Baycrest Wines & Spirits, in the 300 block of East 17th Street, about 5:30 a.m. while the store was closed, according to a news release from the Costa Mesa Police Department.

He then managed to get an ATM from inside the store into the back of the truck before driving off on westbound 17th, police said.

Nearby officers searched for the truck but were unable to find it.

The estimated loss from the break-in is a couple of hundred dollars, Sgt. Brent McKinley said, adding there’s no estimate so far on the damage to the store.

Police said the man had a stocky build and was wearing a hoodie. He was driving a newer-model silver Toyota Tacoma with four doors and paper license plates, according to the department.

Police said surveillance cameras recorded the incident but declined to release the video.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Sgt. Stephanie Selinske at (714) 754-4933.
— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck