Two people disrupted bingo night at the VFW Thursday night, robbing the bar at gunpoint and striking a 62-year-old woman before making off with an unknown amount of cash.
The robbers entered the VFW Post 4272, located at 2850 Seventh Ave. N., shortly before 7, according to a Columbus Police Department press release. The suspects were dressed in heavy clothing and masks, and at least one of them was armed with a handgun.
The VFW has a bar area and a large area for bingo and meetings. The robbery took place in the bar.
VFW Post Junior Vice-Commander Todd Poole said he wasn’t there at the time, but he gleaned some details from people who were.
“Two people came in and robbed our bartender’s petty cash,” he said. “One of them did strike our bartender, they smacked her upside the head, and she went to the hospital. There were no complications there but we’re keeping a close eye on her.”
Poole said there were about 80 people at the VFW post when the robbery occurred.
There is a security system, Poole said, including cameras, in the building. He said the post doesn’t employ security guards per se because of the makeup of their membership.
“All of our members are combat, and combat only, veterans,” he said. “All of our members are combat-ready and combat experienced. Most of our members also carry concealed or openly.”
Thursday night, the members there determined it was too dangerous to try to intervene, Poole said, since not everyone present was veterans.
“There were patrons involved last night, and we’re not willing to jeopardize our patrons or civilian lives in situations like this,” he said. “A lot of time it’s best just to let the robbers take what they can get and get them out to preserve the safety of our sanctuary.
“Any other night of the week when it’s just us vets up there, I cannot guarantee that same outcome,” he added.
No one has been arrested yet in the incident.
Columbus Police Chief Joseph Daughtry Sr., in a press release, said he was angered by the assault on veterans.
“To the veterans who have served and protected us, I pledge to you the full strength and resources of the Columbus Police Department,” he said. “… This incident angers me, and I don’t apologize for that.”
In the press release, Daughtry asked the public for help.
“… We believe the suspects arrived and left the area on foot,” he said. “They know the area, and we ask the public to help identify them.”
Anyone with any information can call Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151 or use the P3 smartphone app. Tips are anonymous, and there is a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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