MADERA – Two individuals are now behind bars following a series of ATM robberies at the Madera Bank of America. Detectives have been actively investigating two robberies that took place at the East Yosemite Avenue bank but their big break came from video of an earlier robbery of a Valero gas station in Tracy California.

The first ATM robbery occurred on February 10th, and the most recent on February 17th. The suspect would walk up to patrons as they approached the ATM and demand the money they withdrew, even going as far as to demand they withdraw more on one occasion.

Earlier this week Madera Police detectives and members of their Special Investigations Unit responded to Tracy where they worked with members of the Tracy Police Department to locate and arrest Ernesto Gonzalez (44).

Gonzalez was taken into custody in Tracy on Wednesday, and his 17-year-old accomplice was arrested in Madera. The teenage boy, a family member of Gonzalez, was the getaway driver.

Gonzalez and the 17 year old male juvenile have been booked into our local jail and juvenile hall on charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Madera police are asking people to avoid going to the ATM at night and if you see anyone who looks suspicious to give them a call. They suggest the following basic safety measures you can take while using an ATM.  

• Limit your trips to the ATM in the evening hours.

• Always be mindful of your surroundings before using an ATM.

• If you see anyone or anything that looks suspicious, leave the area and call police.

• If using the drive up ATM, ensure all your passenger car doors are locked and windows are up.

• Lastly, cooperate with the demand for money; it is not worth your life.

Both suspects face charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.