Man who once shot 2 police officers approved for casino licenseBy DONALD WITTKOWSKI Staff Writer, (609) 272-7258Published: Thursday, August 23, 2007
ATLANTIC CITY - A former psychiatric patient involved in a 1990 shootout that left two police officers and a social worker wounded is being let back into the casino industry.
David M. Wirtz, diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, was approved Wednesday for a gaming license following a lengthy legal battle in his quest to return to casino employment.
The
New Jersey Casino Control Commission attached a series of conditions to Wirtz's license, including the requirement that he continue his psychiatric treatments and take his court-ordered medications.
"They wouldn't let him return to the industry if he wasn't ready to return. He's fine," said
Fredric Gross, a Mount Ephraim attorney representing Wirtz. "I would expect him to be a no-problem employee. He certainly has been a no-problem client."
Gross declined to say whether Wirtz has any job prospects in the casino industry. His license would allow him to hold an array of jobs on the casino floor, including dealer, slot technician or security guard. However, he is not authorized to become a gaming executive, the highest standard for a casino licensee.
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Documents show that Wirtz, who lives in
Galloway Township, worked in the casino industry from September 2000 to May 2002. He started as a marketing representative at
Bally's Atlantic City, then was promoted to slot services host. When he later sought a higher position that required a casino license, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement conducted a background check that uncovered his violent past.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement previously opposed a gaming license for Wirtz, arguing that he could be too unstable and dangerous to work in the casinos. But the division reversed course after a lengthy court fight and a settlement with Wirtz's attorney on a series of conditions on the license.
"We're satisfied that the conditions imposed as a result of the stipulation of settlement will serve to protect the public and the casino industry," said
Anthony J. Zarrillo Jr., an assistant state attorney general representing the division. "Mr. Wirtz now has an opportunity to be gainfully employed and a productive member of society."
On Feb. 7, 1990, Wirtz barricaded himself in his room at a
Pennsauken, Camden County, boarding home and shot two police officers and a social worker. Wirtz was also shot during the standoff.
During his trial, Wirtz was found not guilty by reason of insanity, but he was confined to a state psychiatric facility. After making progress with his treatments, he was released to a group home before winning his freedom.
Documents released Wednesday by the Casino Control Commission included a copy of a May 16, 2007, letter from Wirtz's psychiatrist,
Eliot F. Kaplan, that notes that Wirtz has done well with his treatments and remains stable with the help of medication.
"There have been no delusions, hallucinations or other manifestations of psychosis," Kaplan wrote of Wirtz's condition. "At times, there have been some anxiety and insomnia symptoms, but neither has been serious. He has had no dangerous behaviors toward himself or others."
To e-mail
Donald Wittkowski at The Press:
DWittkowski@pressofac.com 
Only in New Jersey.... 
