Man accused of robbing customer outside PT’s Pub who won $900 on Keno

By Jackie Valley

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010 | 10 a.m.

A 27-year-old man faces attempted murder and robbery charges for allegedly choking and robbing a man who had just won $900 on a Keno machine at a PT's Pub in November.

Metro Police arrested Andre Payne on Tuesday in connection with attempted murder, robbery and battery with intent to commit a crime stemming from the Nov. 21 incident.

Payne allegedly followed the 29-year-old victim to his vehicle in the parking lot of the PT's Pub location at 6610 S. Fort Apache Road, according to an arrest report. The two talked, then Payne allegedly grabbed the victim's neck as he tried to get into his vehicle.

The report states that Payne continued to choke the victim until he fell unconscious, at which point he allegedly stole the man's money clip containing the $900, his Nevada driver's license and a credit card before he ran from the parking lot.

The victim regained consciousness in the parking lot and reported the alleged crime to police the next day.

Police contacted employees at PT's Pub, who said Payne was a regular at the bar, and watched the surveillance video depicting the events, according to the arrest report.

Police found Payne and interviewed him. He allegedly admitted to police that he choked the victim and took an item from the man's pocket but said he later discarded the item in a desert area, the arrest report states. He also told police injuries on his right hand and elbow originated from the alleged robbery.

Payne wrote the victim a voluntary apology letter, which said, "I am deeply sorry for the violent physical action I took upon you that afternoon at PT's sports bar. I let my anger get the best of me and hurt you," according to the arrest report.

Payne was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and is being held without bail. His first court appearance was set for today.