Two individuals were robbed at gunpoint during an attempted car theft outside a casino in Des Plaines on Thursday night. The incident occurred just before midnight in the parking lot of the Rivers Casino, located at 3000 S. River Road.
According to witnesses, two masked suspects approached the victims as they were getting into their car. The suspects brandished a gun and demanded the keys to the vehicle. When the victims refused to comply, one of the suspects physically assaulted one of the victims while the other suspect rifled through the vehicle looking for valuables.
The victims, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were left shaken and traumatized by the ordeal. One of the victims sustained minor injuries in the attack but did not require medical attention.
Security personnel at the casino were alerted to the situation and promptly called the police. Des Plaines Police Department officers arrived on the scene within minutes but the suspects had already fled the scene. At this time, no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. The suspects are described as two male individuals wearing dark clothing and masks. They are believed to be armed and dangerous.
The Rivers Casino has released a statement expressing their concern for the safety of their patrons and assuring the public that they are cooperating fully with the police investigation. They have also implemented additional security measures in response to the incident.
This brazen and violent crime has shocked the community and serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings, especially in high-traffic and potentially dangerous areas like casinos. The safety and well-being of all individuals should be a top priority, and incidents like this only underscore the need for increased security measures and proactive policing efforts.
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Des Plaines and the surrounding areas are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice, and it is up to the community to come together and ensure that such acts of violence do not go unpunished.