Citrus Heights police are investigating an incident Friday night at Phoenix Casino in which a masked gunman walked into the crowded card room, robbed the cashier's cage and walked out with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Information released Tuesday by investigators indicates that 60 to 80 people were in the Auburn Boulevard casino.
"We have a lone subject, wearing a ski mask," said Lt. Thomas Chaplin of the special investigations unit. "He brandished a handgun and told everybody to get down."
Jeff Sardella, casino manager, said people near the cashier's cage were forced to the floor, but people elsewhere in the club may not have known a robbery was occurring.
Chaplin and Sardella agree a crime like this is rare. People rob many different kinds of businesses but hardly ever a card room.
"I've been associated with gaming for 20 years, and I don't know of another one," Sardella said.
Chaplin said specific physical details on the man were lacking. Authorities said the robber is 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 7 with a medium to stocky build. He was wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded sweat shirt, and black pants. He brandished a black semiautomatic pistol.
Call The Bee's David Richie, (916) 608-7455.
