FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (WTVR) - Police guarded the scene around a Fredericksburg ATM Wednesday until a money truck arrived to clean out the ruined machine.
And adding insult to frayed nerves, the residents of a nearby apartment complex were evacuated after a bomb sniffing dog alerted police to a dumpster behind the bank.
The charred backside of the cash machine was evidence of the early morning theft attempt that police say failed.
Virginia Credit Union surveillance image (PHOTO: Fredericksburg Police )
“We retrieved surveillance video of an individual that clearly placed an explosive device by the machine and walked away,” said Fredericksburg Police Public Information Officer Natatia Bledsoe.
“I mean, how stupid was that?” said Kristen Adkins, who lives nearby. “If they did get in wouldn't the money be all burned up? I mean, that's a no brainer."
Adkins lives in the apartment homes behind the Virginia Credit Union branch in Fredericksburg and heard the blast loud and clear.
“I was making my bed and heard a huge boom, so I ran to look through the blinds but didn't see anything," she said.
Others, like Michael Jackmack, learned of the bombing after getting home from work, only to be told they had to clear the area.
“I went to take the trash out, and the guy says,’ you can't do that,’ and I said, ‘why?’ He responded, ‘because there may be a bomb in there,’” said Jackmack.
State police didn't find any other explosive devices.
People living here say the blast was strong enough to shake their walls.
Virginia Credit Union surveillance image (PHOTO: Fredericksburg Police)
Police say the suspect was dressed in all dark clothing with his face covered and is still on the run.
In a community where many rise early to commute to DC, they're hoping someone can provide them some information, before the suspect tries again.
“We do believe this person is in possession of more explosive devices," said Bledsoe.
Police want to hear from you if you saw something even, if you think it's insignificant, at 540-373-3122.
