Casino Robberies in Montana Continue Unabated
A Montana casino was robbed at gunpoint Wednesday night, marking the sixth time a casino located in the state has been taken down since the start of February. This time, a single man entered the Maverick Casino in Billings around 9:30 at night, displayed a handgun to an employee, who fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
One description of the suspect was of a young man, 5'8", 170; another called him 5'9", 140. Both agreed he was wearing a dark sweatshirt, jeans, and a black baseball cap.
The pattern in Montana is unmistakable. While descriptions vary, all the heists have been pulled by either a single gunman, or two men, one of whom had a gun. Heights and ages have been reported differently by various witnesses, but most of the men have worn hoody sweatshirts and jeans, and all have left on foot.
Robberies have taken place in Billings, Billings Heights, Hamilton, Missoula, Lolo, and Helena. No mention has been made by local authorities connecting the crime spree. While each may be committed by separate perpetrators, surely these is at least a significant copycat element going on.
At what point does state law enforcement meet with casino management from across the state and find an answer to securing the casino floors? In an industry known for high security and cameras everywhere, Montana casinos have become easier to withdraw cash from than an ATM.
Stay tuned to this column for the further adventures of the Montana Hoody Gang.
