Guard Shot in Rare Casino Robbery
January 11, 2006 | 7:56
am
Why rob a bank? Because that is where the money is. So, why aren't casino's robbed more often? Because it makes robbing a bank look easy. Casino cashier cages are obviously tempting targets packed with cash. But to get the money and get out without getting caught you would require a Hollywood script writer to concoct an elaborate enough plan. And, then if you manage those two miracles you would need to deal with a police investigation that has your every moment in the casino taped from every angle imaginable.
It does happen. In 2000 a team of robbers were charged in cash grabs at robberies at MGM, New York-New York, Desert Inn, and even jumping the cashier cage at the Bellagio to grab $16,000.
But in general the obstacles on the Strip are just too daunting for would be robbers. For example, do you Valet the getaway car? And, even if you get out the door how to make an escape on the packed sidewalks and side streets around the busiest tourist spot on earth?
So, when the rare attempt does take place it is usually a dumb and desperate crook, a dangerous combination that always results in failure and frequently in violence. That is what happened when a man allegedly tried to rob a roving cashier at the Gold Coast yesterday. The result was a shoot out in the casino parking lot that left a security guard with an injury to the leg. According to the Las Vegas Sun, the would-be robber may not even have gotten away with any cash.
And, as the Review-Journal points out in an interview with a police spokesperson the authorities are making a priority of the case, "because of where it took place and its potential impact on 'the tourist population in Las Vegas.' "
(photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Nice bit, but you missed the stunt, blog man.
The video that's gone out around the world shows the robber squeezing off five shots OVER THE SHOULDER as he runs at full tilt boogie.
Vegas robbery? That's dog bites man.
Capping five rounds running at full speed with the money bag and shooting behind you and hitting somebody with one of the shots...that's one crazy man biting da dog.
I feel for the guy who got hit, but check the tape, blog man. The robber is some kind of jock.
Posted by: Ross Johnson | January 11, 2006 at 08:14 PM