Armored truck security guard shot, another injured during attempted robbery at Hustler Casino in Gardena

An armored truck security guard was shot and another guard injured Thursday during a robbery at the Hustler Casino in Gardena. 

The shooting occurred a little after 10 a.m. at the casino located on Redondo Beach Boulevard, when a pair of guards immediately came under fire as they exited their armored truck, according to Gardena police Lt. Christopher Cuff, during an attack being described as an "ambush."

 At least one of the guards managed to return fire, but it was unclear if any of the suspects were struck, Cuff said.

The guard who was shot was taken to the hospital in critical condition but was expected to survive. The second guard was treated for non-gunshot injuries.

According to Cuff, the suspects managed to flee from the area with an unknown amount of cash. It was also unclear how many suspects were involved, but authorities believe there were at least three. They are not believed to have ever entered the casino.

Philip Chavez says he was walking his dog when he heard gunshots.

"Still shaking," he told CBSLA Thursday. "I'm still shaking." 

One suspect was said to have been barricaded inside the Moose Lounge next door to the casino but after police sent in a drone and SWAT used flash bangs to flush them out, no suspects were located. 

Views from Sky2 showed blood and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest on the ground in the parking lot.

Alaysha Howard was teaching her pre-kindergarten students at this daycare directly across the street from the parking lot when the crime occurred.

"I was just trying to make sure nobody come over here," Howard said. "Tried to hide out over here and make sure the kids were safe."

Officers with Los Angeles Police Department and Gardena Police Department were on the scene to handle the investigation.