Casino Crime Roundup: Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino Evacuated Two Times, Bomb Squad Responds
- 01 Oct 2024
- Gambling News
This week, two questionable devices were discovered just hours apart at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The Florida gaming facility was evacuated twice temporarily as a safety measure.
The initial device was discovered prior to midnight on Sunday. The second device was found around noon on Monday.
The initial device was detailed by the Seminole, Florida. Police Department refers to it as a "rough hidden apparatus containing fireworks parts." It was seen in a bathroom.
This resulted in a partial evacuation of the casino, as reported by Florida TV station WFLA. The device was disabled by the police.
The casino reopened approximately three hours later, and visitors were permitted to re-enter.
The second device was found in a different restroom. It additionally resulted in an evacuation, and once the device was disabled, guests were permitted to reenter the premises.
Neither device caused any injuries.
The Bomb Disposal Team of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office helped in disabling and taking away the devices from the premises.
FBI Involved
Local authorities have requested the FBI's help in the investigation. Officials also examined surveillance footage to assist in recognizing the suspect.
As of the start of this week, no arrests have been made. The gaming venue is now accessible.
The reason the suspect or suspects put the devices in the restrooms is unclear.
Des Plaines Rivers Casino Heist
Four thieves snatched two necklaces from individuals near Illinois’ Rivers Casino Des Plaines on Monday morning.
The masked thieves brandished at least one firearm and directed it at a minimum of two of the victims.
The victims were within the gaming establishment and returned to a parked Jeep around 1:45 a.m.
One of the four victims was a 38-year-old female from Palatine, Illinois. Another was her spouse, aged 40.
As the woman neared her Jeep Grand Cherokee, she noticed an individual inside. One more suspect was by the vehicle, while two others were inside a nearby Volvo.
During the event, the assailants brandished a firearm and menaced two of the victims. No bullets were discharged.
A silver necklace was pulled off the husband, and then the thieves took a necklace from a 28-year-old man from Vernon Hills, Illinois. A fourth victim was not mentioned.
The last sighting of the robbers was them fleeing the casino in the silver Volvo. They didn't take the Jeep.
