Jan. 14--The security guard and New Athens firefighter who was shot while on duty at Casino Queen in September has been cleared to go back to work with no restrictions.
New Athens Fire Capt. Larry Weber was shot during an armed robbery at the East St. Louis Casino Queen in September. Weber, who was unarmed, was shot by one of the three men, all of whom were carrying rifles, according to Illinois State Police. The men stole money from the cash cage at the casino, then fled. No charges had been filed in connection with the armed robbery and shooting as of Sunday.
The New Athens Fire Department shared a post from Weber's wife, Hope, thanking the community for its support during her husband's recovery.
"Larry says it's a new year and time to get back to old routines," Hope Weber wrote. "Larry has officially been released to return to work next week with no restrictions. We both would like to think everyone for the calls, cards, donations and the town support for the last almost 4 months. We greatly appreciate it and are deeply humbled."
Weber suffered serious internal injuries as a result of the shooting, and had two surgeries to repair the damage.
The three men entered the valet of the Casino Queen at about 2 a.m. and ordered employees to get on the ground as they fired shots, according to a report by Illinois State Police Sgt. Elbert Jennings. One man stayed behind to hold guards at gunpoint, and the other two headed toward the cashiers booth in the casino. Weber approached the booth and was shot. The man behind the counter at the booth opened drawers and started filling bags with money, then fled in a stolen car.
The stolen money was found near the abandoned getaway car in East St. Louis at Exchange Avenue and 17th Street, Jennings said in the report.
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