(Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — A coordinated effort between the Kearney Police Department (KPD) and the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has resulted in the arrest of two individuals involved in an ATM jackpotting incident in Kearney.
Prior to the incident, the Nebraska Information Analysis Center (NIAC), a statewide criminal intelligence network housed by the Nebraska State Patrol, had shared information with law enforcement regarding vehicles suspected to be involved in ATM jackpotting activity across the
nation. Based on that information, a Virginia-plated vehicle was previously entered by KPD into the area’s Flock Safety and Vigilant license plate recognition (LPR) systems, which uses cameras to automatically scan license plates and alert law enforcement when a suspect vehicle
is detected.
On Sunday, July 6, the LPR system generated a hit as the suspect vehicle traveled near 212 E. 56th Street in Kearney. A BCSO deputy located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop for speeding near Coal Chute Road and Highway 10 shortly after 9:00 PM. The two occupants
were detained, and a joint investigation confirmed their involvement in an ATM breach at Heartland Bank.
Cristian Manuel Tovar-Olivares, 24, was arrested for attempted burglary after it was determined he had gained unauthorized access to the ATM. The driver, Snaider Sthiferson Castro Hidalgo, 32, was arrested for accessory to a felony. Both were transported to the Buffalo County Law Enforcement Center and lodged at the Buffalo County Jail.
ATM jackpotting is a sophisticated financial crime in which suspects use malware, hardware devices, or electronic tools to override an ATM’s security systems and force it to dispense large sums of cash, effectively “tricking” the machine into emptying its cash.
KPD and BCSO are continuing to work closely with federal authorities to evaluate the case for potential federal prosecution, due to the nationwide criminal association and complexity of the crimes.
This incident is a powerful example of how co-location between the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office goes far beyond shared space. It represents a unified approach to public safety, with shared resources, shared information, and shared responsibility.
The results of this partnership are seen not just in successful arrests, but in the strengthened safety of every community we serve.
And while the value of this kind of collaboration can’t be measured in dollars, its impact is felt every day in safer streets, stronger communities, and greater peace of mind for the citizens of Kearney and Buffalo County.
Check out our web site at www.cityofkearney.org
