WWII Vet Robbed, Attacked in A.C. Casino Restroom

An 86-year old WWII veteran was assaulted and robbed in the bathroom of an AC casino on Sunday morning.

John Roman was using a urinal around 9:40 a.m. at Bally's Wild, Wild West Casino when the unidentified suspect came from behind him, according to New Jersey State Police.

"I’m doing my thing and he grabs me around the neck and he really gave me the choke hold and I couldn’t breathe," said Roman. "He threw me to the ground."

The attacker allegedly choked the elderly victim and stole his wallet before running from the scene, cops said.

The Battle of the Bulge veteran was bruised but refused medical treatment.

"I’m just fortunate that he didn’t put a knife to me. I could have been laying there in a pool of blood."

The suspect entered the bathroom about two minutes before Roman. He was likely waiting for a potential victim, said investigators.

The suspect was caught on surveillance video running from the bathroom where the attack occurred and Bally’s is trying to find higher quality photographs of the attacker, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

He made off with about 150 bucks.

The alleged attacker is described as a thin black male who was wearing a black baseball cap, grey-hooded sweatshirt, black jacket and blue jeans.

Roman says he is still a bit traumatized by the attack.

"It’s traumatizing. It’s still, it’s going to linger for a while, no doubt."

The casino in a statement said that security of guests and employees is a top priority and that they are taking all means necessary measures to ensure that safety.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the New Jersey State Police Criminal Investigation Unit at (609) 441-7464.


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