‘I Will Kill You’: 88-Year-Old Woman Fights Off Attempted Casino Robber

A 42-year-old woman in Indiana has been arrested and charged with felony robbery after casino surveillance video captured her on July 5 allegedly threatening an 88-year-old woman at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson.

In Indiana v. Andrea Smith, state prosecutors allege that Smith staked out the racino parking lot owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment before targeting the elderly woman, who was accompanied by her daughter of unknown age. The probable cause affidavit filed in Madison County’s Circuit Court alleges that Smith approached the two women and demanded that the elder woman hand over her purse.

NBC13 reports that the affidavit detailed that Smith threatened the mother-daughter with a gun.

“I will use it. I will kill you,” Smith allegedly warned.

Smith then wrestled the elderly woman for the purse. The 88-year-old and her daughter managed to fight Smith off. Casino video showed Smith then flee, hurrying to her vehicle and making her get away.  

Court records identify Smith as a Black woman who is 5’7,” weighing 180 pounds.

Investigators Track Down Assailant

Assisted by Harrah’s surveillance footage, law enforcement was able to quickly identify that Smith made off in a silver Chevrolet Malibu. While her license plate was not captured in the video recording, investigators noticed that her gas tank was missing a door.

With local police on alert for the vehicle, Smith was located and arrested on July 18 during a traffic stop. Smith’s appearance, height, and build were consistent with the person surveilled by the Harrah’s casino cameras.

Smith is charged with a fifth-degree robbery felony. If convicted, Smith faces up to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

State prosecutors are seeking habitual offender status for Smith, with a notice of intent filed with the court on July 27. A habitual offender designation, reserved for individuals with at least two prior unrelated felony convictions, carries significant sentence enhancements.

Court records show that Smith had been pulled over by police only hours before the attempted Harrah’s robbery. Smith was issued a traffic citation for an improper turn at an intersection and for disregarding a traffic signal, both traffic infractions.

The officer who pulled Smith over noted that a firearm was seen inside the vehicle. Court records show Smith owes $210.50 for the incident, including a $71 fine and $139.50 in filing fees.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park

Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is a standardbred horse racetrack and racino located approximately 30 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The racetrack conducts 160 live racing days a year.

The 86,100-square-foot casino has 1,250 slot machines, 40 table games, and a Caesars Sportsbook.