Chilean man arrested in connection with October 2024 ATM burglary in Tempe

PHOENIX — A Chilean man was arrested last month in Los Angeles in connection with the burglary of an ATM in October 2024 in Tempe, authorities said.

The Tempe Police Department identified the man taken into custody as 36-year-old Diego Arriagada Cornejo.

Police said that the burglary netted more than $155,000 from a Wells Fargo ATM.

“This case shows the persistence of our detectives and the strength of our partnerships,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said in a press release. “No matter where someone goes, we will keep working to hold those responsible accountable.”

More details on the October 2024 ATM burglary in Tempe

On Oct. 4, 2024, officers responded to a break-in at a nail salon near Hardy Drive and Baseline Road in the early morning.

According to police, investigators determined that Cornejo had cut a large hole in the roof of the business to get in and then cut through the nail salon’s wall to access the room used to service the ATM.

Cornejo allegedly used a cutting torch to get into the ATM and caused $61,000 in damages before he fled the scene.

Detectives identified Cornejo as a suspect using forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, according to police.

In addition, authorities believe that Cornejo is affiliated with a South American Theft Group — which is a criminal enterprise known for sophisticated commercial burglaries that target financial institutions and high-value assets — due to investigative findings.

Cornejo may also be connected with another burglary in Paradise Valley as well as similar ones in California and Washington, police said.

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