Orlando, Florida – An overnight armed robbery at a drive-thru ATM in Orlando has led to an arrest after investigators linked fingerprint evidence to a suspect accused of threatening and assaulting a victim during the crime. Police say the robbery unfolded in the early morning hours and involved a masked gunman who followed the victim before striking.
Authorities identified Victor Bertil, 31, as the suspect after forensic evidence and vehicle records connected him to the incident. He was taken into custody on January 12 and now faces multiple felony charges.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, the robbery occurred at a drive-thru ATM on East Colonial Drive in Orlando. The victim told police he was depositing cash when a masked man suddenly confronted him at gunpoint. The encounter quickly escalated into violence, leaving the victim shaken and injured.
Police say the suspect demanded cash and personal belongings while brandishing a firearm and threatening the victim’s life.
Timeline of Events
The incident was reported shortly after 12:20 a.m. on November 20, when the victim drove directly to a police station following the attack. Officers from the Orlando Police Department immediately began an investigation, canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Security video showed only two vehicles near the bank at the time: the victim’s car and a silver Nissan Rogue parked in an adjacent lot. Investigators noted that the masked suspect was seen placing his hands on the victim’s vehicle during the confrontation.
Details From Police and Investigators
In an arrest affidavit, police stated the victim had gone to the ATM to deposit $400 borrowed from a friend along with $700 of his own money. He told officers he noticed a vehicle following him before it parked nearby.
As the victim approached the ATM again, the masked suspect allegedly pressed a gun to his face and demanded cash. When asked for more money, the victim handed over his wallet containing $700 in cash, his driver’s license, bank cards, and two cell phones.
Investigators said the suspect then struck the victim on the head with the firearm and threatened to kill him before the victim managed to escape in his vehicle.
“The suspect placed a firearm against the victim’s face and demanded money,” the affidavit states, describing the encounter as sudden and violent.
Key Facts in the Case
- Suspect: Victor Bertil, 31
- Charges: Robbery with a firearm while wearing a mask and aggravated battery with a firearm
- Date of robbery: November 20, around 12:20 a.m.
- Arrest date: January 12
- Location: East Colonial Drive, Orlando
- Vehicle involved: Silver Nissan Rogue
- Cash stolen: Approximately $700
Fingerprint Evidence Breaks the Case
A critical breakthrough came when officers processed the victim’s vehicle. Police said the car was coated in dust, allowing investigators to clearly identify handprints on the hood and door frame.
Those fingerprints were later matched to Bertil, providing key forensic evidence linking him to the robbery. Police noted that this physical evidence played a central role in establishing probable cause.
Additional Context and Background
During interviews, the victim told police he had won a significant amount of money earlier that night at a gas station gambling machine. He believed the suspect was someone he had seen frequently in the gaming room and thought the man worked as a security guard, though he was not present the night of the robbery.
Investigators later confirmed that the Nissan Rogue seen near the ATM was registered to Bertil’s girlfriend. Police also reviewed prior traffic stops involving Bertil in the same vehicle, during which he was reportedly wearing a security guard uniform, driving with a suspended license, and in possession of a stolen firearm. Records showed two prior convictions related to license violations.
Based on these findings, detectives identified Bertil as a person of interest before obtaining his arrest.
Public Safety and Awareness
Police continue to remind residents to remain alert when using ATMs late at night, especially in isolated locations. Officials recommend choosing well-lit areas, being aware of nearby vehicles, and avoiding large cash transactions during overnight hours when possible.
Conclusion
Investigators say a combination of surveillance footage, vehicle records, and fingerprint evidence led to the arrest in this violent ATM robbery. The case highlights how forensic details can play a decisive role in solving crimes and bringing suspects into custody.
If you have ever experienced or witnessed suspicious activity around an ATM or public banking area, report it to authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
