It could have netted a big payday for the thieves but a robbery of a deposit safe from the Princess Casino was foiled this afternoon. The thieves escaped empty handed, the money was intact, but a driver was injured. Keith Swift has a report from the scene.
Keith SwiftReporting,
At noon today there were gunshots on Newtown Barracks in front of the Princess Hotel and Casino as two men attempted to hijack the weekend sales from the casino which were being taken to the bank in this Isuzu Rodeo by Bernadine Meighan. Shortly after an eyewitness who saw the broad daylight shooting told us he felt lucky to be alive.
Eyewitness,
"I was thinking in mind that I didn't want to get shot. I couldn't believe it was happening in front of my eyes and all I was thinking was to get away from those gunshots."
The eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous says he saw the gunman and heard the shots.
Eyewitness,
"All I saw while I was coming out of my car is that a young man was holding a gun and shooting after a black Isuzu or a blue Isuzu so I dashed into the corner to get away from the shots."
Keith Swift,
So you saw a young man holding a gun?
Eyewitness,
"Yes I did see a young man holding a gun and shooting after the vehicle."
Keith Swift,
What happened after he fired?
Eyewitness,
"Well I saw the vehicle pass and when it passed the sleeping policeman the back windows, black glass, just shattered to pieces."
Keith Swift,
How many shots did you hear?
Eyewitness,
"I heard about 3 shots. It took about 20 seconds and after that everything just finish."
And as many 5 shots were fired - one of which caught Meighan in her upper back. Meighan was delivering the money from the Princess for J&B Security Company of which she is co-owner. Police investigators say no money was stolen.
Insp. Oscar Puga, CIB
"The officers visited the KHMH whereby the victim gave us certain information and we are looking for several suspects at this time."
Keith Swift,
Was anything taken during the attempted robbery?
Insp. Oscar Puga,
"Initial investigations show no, nothing was stolen."
Keith Swift,
Any suspects?
Insp. Oscar Puga,
"We are looking for 2 suspects but we cannot give that information at this time."
Two suspects who police believe might have been working from the inside
Late this evening Bernadine Meighan was still in the hospital and after surgery, we understand doctors were unable to locate the bullet. The Princess Casino refuses to disclose how much money was in the safe.
