After months of investigative work, the Tempe Police Department has arrested a suspect in an ATM burglary that stole more than $150,000 from a Wells Fargo ATM in Tempe.

Detectives used forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, to identify 36-year-old Diego Arriagada Cornejo of Chile as a suspect in the case. With assistance from partner agencies, authorities located and arrested Cornejo last month in Los Angeles.

Early morning on Oct. 4, 2024, officers responded to a break-in at a nail salon in a strip mall on Baseline Road and Hardy Drive.

Investigators determined that the suspect cut a large hole through the roof to get into the business. Once inside, he cut through the wall of the nail salon to access a small room used to service a Wells Fargo ATM. 

The suspect used a cutting torch to get into the cash machine and stole more than $155,000 and caused $61,000 in damages before fleeing the scene.

Detectives are still investigating the other incidents as they believe he may be connected to burglaries in Paradise Valley as well as other states like California and Washington. 

Based on investigative findings, Cornejo is believed to be affiliated with a South American Theft Group (SATG), an organized criminal enterprise known for sophisticated commercial burglaries targeting financial institutions and high-value assets.

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

Cornejo is currently in a California prison. He was arrested on two counts of felony theft and one count of felony damage.