Durham Police Arrest Man in String of ATM Robberies Targeting Hispanic Victims

DURHAM, NC – The Durham Police Department has arrested Julio Geovanni Ortiz, 43, in connection with a series of armed robberies at ATMs, where investigators believe Hispanic victims were specifically targeted.

Between December 15, 2024, and January 4, 2025, seven robberies occurred at two Wells Fargo ATM locations in Durham, one in the 900 block of W. Club Boulevard and the other in the 2800 block of Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard. In each incident, Hispanic victims were robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint by Hispanic suspects after withdrawing cash.

Ortiz has been charged with seven counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon for the following incidents:

• December 15, 2024 (Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard): Two suspects, one with a knife and another with a bat, robbed a Hispanic male after he withdrew cash.
• December 25, 2024 (Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard): A suspect armed with a handgun attempted to rob a Hispanic male.
• December 25, 2024 (W. Club Boulevard): Two suspects, one with a knife and another with a handgun, robbed a Hispanic male after he withdrew cash.
• December 28, 2024 (W. Club Boulevard): A Hispanic male and female were robbed by two suspects, one armed with a knife and the other with a handgun.
• January 2, 2025 (W. Club Boulevard): A Hispanic female was robbed at gunpoint by a single suspect.
• January 2, 2025 (Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard): Two suspects, one with a knife and the other with a handgun, robbed a Hispanic male.
• January 4, 2025 (W. Club Boulevard): A Hispanic male was robbed at knifepoint by a single suspect.

Ortiz was arrested on January 4 and is currently being held in the Durham County Jail.

More Suspects at Large

Investigators believe additional suspects are involved in this series of robberies and urge the community to remain vigilant and follow these safety tips when using ATMs:

• Use ATMs located indoors whenever possible.
• Visit ATMs during daylight hours.
• Minimize the amount of time spent at the ATM.
• Choose ATMs visible from public spaces or streets.
• If possible, visit ATMs with a companion.

How to Help

Anyone with information about these robberies or other related incidents is encouraged to contact Investigator A. Osborne at 919-560-4440 ext. 29241 or submit a tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200 or durhamcrimestoppers.org. Tips leading to felony arrests are eligible for cash rewards of up to $2,000, and callers remain anonymous.

This investigation underscores the importance of community awareness and cooperation in keeping Durham safe.