TAMPA - Two men used a sledgehammer to try to break into a South Tampa ATM early Sunday, police said.
Stacy Hawkins, 34, of 2225 131st Ave., Apt. 17, Tampa, and Eddie McDonald, 39, of 9404 Channing Circle, Tampa, were both arrested and accused of possession of burglary tools. Police also accused Hawkins of armed burglary, criminal solicitation and resisting arrest without violence. McDonald also is accused of burglary, reports said.
About 1:20 a.m., Tampa police responded to the Bank of Tampa at 4600 W Cypress St. to find two men trying to break into the ATM, which sits in its own building. Officer Mike Brower saw McDonald in the bushes north of the ATM, acting as a lookout, reports said. Brower arrested McDonald then watched as Hawkins tried to run away, reports said.
Police surrounded the area and prepared to bring in their canine unit when Officer Lisa Cordero saw Hawkins in the bushes east of the bank, reports said. Cordero saw a sledgehammer, two-way radio, gloves and ski mask near him. Another two-way radio was found with McDonald.
Police said it appeared Hawkins and McDonald repositioned a security camera so they wouldn't be caught. They knocked a hole in the wall of the ATM building large enough to fit through when police arrived, reports said.
Police said a similar incident occurred at the same ATM in January.
Jail records show Hawkins has been arrested at least 13 times in Hillsborough County since 2001, mostly on burglary charges. McDonald has been arrested at least three times in Hillsborough since 2002, records show, on charges that included grand theft.
