• Prev
• 1 of 2
• Next

Liberation casino robbery was just a ‘joke,’ sailors say

THE Guam Police Department is seeking the community’s help to solve the recent rash of robberies that have hit various establishments around the island.

GPD acting spokesman Sgt. Mike Aguon said since May, there have been a reported 11 armed robberies at business establishments. They include seven at small convenience (mom and pop) stores, two at restaurants, and two at massage parlors in various villages.

“GPD is concerned not only for the businesses, but also for the safety of people on the island. This is a small island and because of our island culture, we might not want to say anything even if we knew something about the robberies,” Aguon said.

“But we know there are people out there who may have information about these acts. We are asking the public to come forward and give us a call,” he added.

Aguon stressed that the robberies are not just GPD’s problem, but the whole community’s problem.

“Robberies affect us all – from the businesses that are robbed to the people who are victims, like the cashiers who face the robbers. So please come forward if you know anything,” Aguon said.

GPD has set up a temporary messaging system attached to their cold case tips hotline to get public tips or information on these robberies. Messages can be left at 475-8532. If residents want to speak to an officer directly, they can call 475-8551.

Joke

Meanwhile, the two sailors arrested for allegedly trying to rob a man at a public restroom near the Liberation Day Carnival casino are claiming they were just joking around.

Justin Miska, 21, and Michael Mayers, 22, appeared in magistrate’s court yesterday afternoon and were both charged with attempted second degree robbery as a third degree felony, and conspiracy to commit second degree felony as a second degree felony.

Court documents reveal the victim, Su Guoghuan, left the casino and had gone to use a restroom at a Department of Parks and Recreation building next to the field. When he entered one of the stalls, a man entered, allegedly pointed a black pistol to Guoghuan’s head and demanded cash. Guoghuan answered he didn’t have any because he lost all of his money. Guoghuan later went to an officer working at the casino and reported the incident.

Security footage was reviewed and the suspects were identified to be Mayers and Miska. They were later interviewed and Miska admitted they used Airsoft pistols. When Mayers was interviewed, he said he and Miska thought about robbing someone, but only as a “joke.” He also admitted they were drinking. The pistol, which was identified as a Glock-style Airsoft pistol, was recovered in a vehicle the men used to flee the area.

Statement

Joint Region Marianas issued a statement on the arrests of the two sailors.

“The crimes seaman Justin Miska and seaman Michael Mayers allegedly committed are not compatible with our ethos and core values and do not reflect the high standards the Navy strives to maintain,” said Navy spokesman Lt. William Knight. “The U.S. Navy will continue to work with our government of Guam partners to ensure that each allegation of misconduct against U.S. Navy personnel is appropriately investigated, and when warranted, remedied through administrative and/or criminal action.”

The men are active duty personnel and were assigned to the Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One Detachment based on Naval Base Guam. Their arrest was made late Tuesday by the Guam Police Department with the assistance of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Mayers and Miska are each being held on $25,000 cash bail and will have a preliminary hearing on July 6 at 4 p.m. before presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena.