Video: Elderly casino winner attacked

Detectives pour over surveillance video connected to a violent robbery in Atlantic City.

A casino winner is attacked in a parking lot, moments after a big win!

That 70-year-old victim is now in the hospital, with a serious hip injury.

The guy caught on surveillance video, who atlantic city police say knocked this 70-year-old man to the ground, then robbed him of some $10,000 dollars in casino winnings.

Detective Thomas Holton of the Atlantic City Police Department says “just walked up and clobbered him and as he was assaulting him he said, ‘Let go, let go,‘ because the victim was trying to clutch onto the money.“)

Police believe the suspect had been hanging around a blackjack table where Anthony Vastardis won the money Sunday morning at the Trump Taj Mahal. The Cumberland County man cashed out his winnings then, investigators say, was followed into an elevator by the culprit. Police say the attack took place moments after they got off on the same floor of the casino’s parking garage.

Detective Thomas Holton of the Atlantic City Police Department says “the suspect, after the robbery, immediately flees the parking garage and gets into a taxi cab.“

Police say the suspect told the cabbie to take him to Baltimore. Along the Atlantic City Expressway, though, the driver got word that state police were looking for his taxi and began guiding authorities to his location. The suspect then got suspicious, ordered the cabbie to let him out off Exit 41 in Gloucester Township and got away before the cops showed up. Investigators believe his right hand may be broken, from hitting the victim so hard.

Detective Thomas Holton of the Atlantic City Police Department says “The cab driver that took him indicates that when he was handing him the money for the cab fare, that his hand was very gingerly and he was making motions as if he was in pain.“

Although not as violent as this, police say in the past few months, they have seen a spike in the number of robberies and purse snatchings involving gamblers.

Detective Thomas Holton of the Atlantic City Police Department says “people have to be a little more aware of their surroundings and take more precautions. Ask for security to escort them to their car if they have a large amount of money.“

Police also say it’s a good idea to have the casino cut you a check, so you’re not walking around with a lot of cash. If you’ve seen this guy or have any idea who he is, call Atlantic City Police at 609-347-5766.