Masked gunmen hold up patrons, staff at Russell’s

A businessman is calling for proprietors and homeowners to be equipped with firearms, as robbers continue to wreak havoc on businesses here.{{more}}

Proprietor of Russell’s Cinema, Randolph Russell made the call after his staff and patrons at the cinema were held at gunpoint by three masked men on Sunday, August 29, shortly after 9:15 p.m.

“It is necessary that people in their houses and businesses are armed. The majority of criminals in St Vincent are well armed and have more sophisticated equipment than the police…,” he said.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT from his office at Stoney Ground on Monday, Russell said he was at his home when he received a telephone call from a supervisor at the cinema stating that they had just been robbed.

During the daring escapade, the robbers held up the attendant at the ticket booth, before robbing the staff in the concessions area.

It is estimated that the robbers made off with just over $3, 000.

According to Russell, some of the patrons in the lobby were told to lie face down on the floor while the robbers continued their rampage.

He said the situation intensified when a bullet was discharged between the legs of one of the workers. Luckily she escaped unhurt, but a black smudge on the tiled floor showed the spot where the bullet struck.

Russell said even though permission is given to own a gun, the license for owning one is too costly.

“The time has come when people need to protect their homes. Why are we being deprived of this basic right?” Russell asked.

He also added that there are security guards at the premises but they are unarmed.

Russell added that a more liberal approach should be adopted when granting firearm licenses to persons.

“This affects every Vincentian, every family and the protection of the individual is vital. If our people are armed, they are not going to be afraid of the criminals,” Russell stated.

At press time the police were still investigating the matter.