The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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May 16, 2008

Video poker parlor in Beckley robbed

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Beckley police say two victims were trapped in a closet Friday morning after a woman robbed a video poker parlor.

Between 8:30 and 9 a.m., a woman entered Lucy’s at the Plaza Mall right after the employees opened, Chief of Detectives Capt. Jeff Shumate said. The two employees on duty thought she was a patron.

The woman told the employees she had a gun and demanded all the business’ money, Shumate said. The suspect then secured the employees inside a closet and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The employees managed to escape from the closet after “in excess of” 30 minutes, Shumate said.

Police believe the suspect fled on foot, and they were exploring possible leads, Shumate said. Immediately after the robbery, witnesses said they spotted the suspect at various nearby locations.

The suspect was described as white with very pale skin, about 5-foot-5 with a medium to heavy build, Shumate said. She wore a blue hooded sweatshirt with orange writing on it and gray sweatpants.

Shumate said the incident did not appear to be linked to an earlier one at the same business on Feb. 3, when at least two men broke into Lucy’s and stole a safe.

Police have noted video poker parlors have often been crime targets because they experience heavy traffic and most business transactions are done with cash.

Shumate said any business should do regular deposits to limit the amount of actual cash on the premises. He also recommended surveillance systems that are in good working order. More than one employee should be on duty at all times.

Detective Sgt. David Allard is handling the investigation. Cpl. J.D. Perry and Patrolman Justin Hudnall handled the initial call.

— E-mail:

apridemore@register-herald.com

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