By Bill Parry
An armored-truck guard was robbed at gunpoint of an estimated $300,000 in Elmhurst Friday, according to authorities and news reports. Three men in heavy winter clothing approached the guard around noon as he was collecting deposits at the HSBC branch, at 82-57 Broadway, according to the FBI. One assailant allegedly held .45 semi-automatic handgun to the guard’s face, investigators said.
The suspected gunmen made off with a “significant amount” of cash after allegedly spraying the guard with mace, the FBI said.
The New York Times reported that $300,000 was stolen.
The guard was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center for treatment, according to authorities.
The robbery suspects escaped by running westbound on Broadway to a getaway vehicle described as a dirty black or navy blue Ford Explorer that was missing its front license plate, the FBI said.
They were described by investigators as either Asian or Hispanic.
GardaWorld, company that owns the armored truck, is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture, arrest and conviction of whoever made off with the money. The company and HSBC are cooperating in the FBI’s investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at (212) 384-1000.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718.260.4538.
