Summary
- Security guard Selwyn Balkissoon has plans to robe the casino
- The plan involved stealing cash from an armored truck outside the venue.
- An accomplice decided to alert police of the plan.
It’s not every day that you hear about a major robbery plan falling through due to an accomplice spilling the beans. This week, we learned that a security guard at the Queens’ Resorts World Casino next to the aqueduct had plans to rob the casino with help from an accomplice. Selwyn Balkissoon had a plan that he thought would work, only to find that his co-conspirator decided to let officials in on the idea.
Casino Robbery Plan Fails
Balkissoon did not feel that security was efficient enough at the casino and that his plan of attack would work. In speaking with the accomplice, Balkissoon said that security was lame and sitting ducks, just there for the money and did not care who takes what.
With the robbery plan, Balkissoon suggested that he and the accomplice drive up to an armored truck outside the casino in New York. They could threaten the driver and then steal the cash inside the truck. According to the security guard, each truck carries 20 bags of money. Each bag is reportedly filled with $260,000.
In speaking with the informant, Balkissoon said that a weapon would be needed. He suggested that his helper be ready punch someone or get a BB gun. He said he has a rifle at home. Balkissoon also suggested they could use pepper spray and met up with the individual to give him a weapon for the attack the night before.
The informant then told police everything he knew, including the information on recordings. Balkissoon was arrested yesterday for his statements and was released on $100,000 bail.
Scrutiny Over Casino Security
Because of the potential crime, the head of security for the casino has come under fire. Timothy Pearson is the head of the department at Resorts World, a former inspector with the NYPD. He also works as an unpaid advisor for Mayor Adams regarding public safety and additional needs.
A spokesman for the mayor, Fabien Levy, commented on the incident, stating that the mayor is proud to have the expertise and unpaid support of Tim during his transition as well as within his first few months of administration. It seems some people may be questioning his ability to help the mayor and protect the casino due to the nature of the recent arrest.
So far, Pearson has not commented on the incident. It will be interesting to see what he has to say on the matter, since it was one of his employees that was planning the heist.
In February there was a armed robbery at multiple casinos in Mississippi, showing these incidents are becoming regular these days.
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