Suspect Arrested in Multi-State ATM Heist; Investigation Ongoing
Tupelo, MS – A major break in a multi-state ATM theft case has led to the arrest of Winder Alex Canelon-Tiapa, 24, of Dallas, Texas, who is now facing grand larceny and conspiracy to commit grand larceny charges in Mississippi. Authorities believe he played a key role in a string of ATM burglaries that targeted multiple banks across the state.
ATM Heist at Community Bank
The investigation began on November 11, 2024, when officers responded to Community Bank, located at 1317 North Gloster Street in Tupelo, Mississippi. Upon arrival, they discovered that an ATM had been broken into, and a large sum of money had been stolen.
As detectives delved deeper, it became clear that this was not an isolated incident—multiple banks across Mississippi had been hit in a coordinated crime spree.
Traffic Stop Leads to Break in the Case
Just one day later, on November 12, 2024, a routine traffic stop in Duncanville, Texas, turned into a major breakthrough. Duncanville police officers pulled over a vehicle and, during the stop, uncovered evidence linking the driver—Winder Alex Canelon-Tiapa—to the ATM thefts in Mississippi.
Investigators from both the Tupelo and Madison Police Departments quickly responded to Duncanville, where they recovered additional evidence tying Canelon-Tiapa to the string of bank burglaries. Based on these findings, Mississippi authorities issued warrants for his arrest.
Suspect Extradited to Mississippi
After months of coordination between law enforcement agencies, Canelon-Tiapa was extradited to Tupelo on March 22, 2025. Two days later, on March 24, 2025, he appeared before Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Weir, who ordered him to be held without bond pending further legal proceedings.
The Investigation Continues
The case is now headed to the Lee County Grand Jury, where additional charges may be filed. Meanwhile, investigators are still working to determine whether Canelon-Tiapa acted alone or if other individuals were involved in the elaborate ATM theft ring.
The Tupelo Police Department has expressed its gratitude to the various law enforcement agencies that helped bring the suspect into custody, including:
- Duncanville Police Department (Texas)
- United States Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force
- Madison Police Department
- Amory Police Department
- Mississippi Attorney General’s Office
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about these crimes to come forward as they continue to track down potential accomplices and recover stolen funds.
This case serves as a strong reminder of the coordinated efforts needed to combat high-tech financial crimes, and law enforcement officials are determined to ensure justice is served.