Prosecutors say DNA evidence helped Chicago police identify another member of a prolific burglary crew that used stolen SUVs to steal ATMs from storefronts across the city, striking at least 18 times between September 8 and December 24.
Omar Farmer, 26, is the second individual charged in connection with the crime, joining Radonte Eatman, 25, and unidentified accomplices. According to previously filed charges, on December 24, at about 4:43 a.m., the group used a Jeep and chains to pull the door off Big Sam’s Food Mart and Cellular at 133 E. 75th Street. The store’s ATM had $13,600 in cash, and the firm suffered $5,000 in damage.
Less than an hour later, the team allegedly attacked Khalil’s Food and Liquor at 146 West 103rd St. The store reported $7,000 in damages although its ATM did not have any cash.
Farmer is also accused of taking part in a similar crime at Urban Beautique, 8822 S. Ashland Ave., early on December 17.
According to Farmer’s police report, DNA tests confirmed that blood found inside one of the stolen Jeeps and on a door frame at one of the crime scenes was his.
Police recently placed Farmer under surveillance and arrested him on charges. According to his arrest report, Farmer, who had $2,295 in cash in his pocket, claimed to be a landscaper to officers. During questioning, he requested to examine the DNA testing and phone location proof that detectives said they possessed. After seeing the DNA results, he “continued to deny any involvement,” according to the police report.
Judge Susana Ortiz released Farmer pending trial on multiple counts of burglary, theft, and criminal damage.
The Chicago Police Department issued a community advisory on December 25, 2024, attributing the burglary group to 18 ATM robberies since September 8. In January, authorities revealed video evidence about the suspects, revealing that the group broke into companies and removed ATMs using chains and an SUV.
Authorities have linked the group to ATM thefts at the following locations, in addition to the crimes they accuse Farmer and Eatman of:
- 10600 block of South Torrence Avenue, September 8
- 10700 block of South Wentworth Avenue, September 17
- First block of West 79th Street, September 26
- 1600 block of West Monterey Avenue, September 26
- 8500 block of South Ashland Avenue, October 6
- 13300 block of South Brainard Avenue, October 30
- 2300 block of West 111th Street, November 14
- 10200 block of South Vincennes Avenue, November 22
- 2500 block of East 87th Street, November 22
- 3900 block of East 106th Street, November 25
- 2600 block of East 79th Street, December 4
- 11600 block of South Halsted Street, December 10
- 7800 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, December 17
- 400 block of East 83rd Street, December 17
- 11100 block of South Halsted Street, December 20