Robbers told hotel workers they took loot to buy gifts
Sunday, December 26, 2004
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The season of giving became the season of taking for two masked robbers who raided the Castle Rock Hampton Inn early Friday.
After tying up the manager and snatching the safe, they apologized and said they needed the money to buy Christmas presents, according to Castle Rock police.
Authorities aren't yet sure how much the two bandits got away with, but the holiday is a misappropriated motive, said city spokeswoman Carrie McCausland.
"This is a case of misguided Christmas spirit," she said. "We would hope no one would have to go through what the manager went through in the name of Christmas."
According to police, two men in ski masks entered the hotel, at 4830 Castleton Way, about 4 a.m. One carried a pistol.
The night manager, who was working alone, was bound in duct tape and left in a back room.
Before the men left, they said they were sorry but they had shopping to do with the stolen loot, police said.
The night manager wiggled loose and called police.
Police don't have much to go on, McCausland said.
There was no security video shot, and the robbers apparently left no fingerprints.
A newspaper delivery person may have gotten a glimpse of the robbers fleeing the hotel, but the description of the getaway car was too vague to be of much use, McCausland said.
Castle Rock police, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado State Patrol were all searching for clues Friday, she said.
In the meantime, police urged businesses along the Interstate 25 corridor to take extra precautions, especially in the early morning hours.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 303-663-6100.
Staff writer Joey Bunch can be reached at 303-820-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com.
