Florida Casino Disagreement Leads to Attempted Murder Charge

Posted on: May 18, 2024, 05:35h. 

Last updated on: May 18, 2024, 05:35h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A dispute that broke out at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa ended with a man recently getting arrested for attempted murder, according to a news report.

Lamar Brooks, 33, of Bartow, Fla., initially got into an argument at the Florida gaming property with his estranged friend, Cameron Brewer, over money.

The two continued to argue at a nearby unnamed strip club. Later, Brooks allegedly attempted to crash Brewer’s car on a highway, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Gunfire Erupts

That was followed by a spree of gunfire involving both men in their neighborhood, authorities said. The two men both reside about 40 miles east of the casino.

Upon leaving his car, Brewer urinated in some bushes.

While doing so, Brooks retrieved a semi-automatic rifle from an unknown location and walks into the yard of Brewer’s residence,” according to a police report quoted on Friday by Florida TV station WFLA.

Brooks allegedly fired bullets into the ground. Brewer ran towards Brooks, authorities said.

Brooks then allegedly pointed the rifle at Brewer’s chest. Brooks then fired seven to 10 shots, authorities added.

Brewer pushed the rifle away. That’s when Brewer then went inside his residence.

He came back with a .380 caliber Beretta firearm and a .45 caliber Hi-Point gun. He allegedly fired two shots into the ground.

Brooks appeared frightened from the gunfire and fled the scene. He went inside his residence and refused to exit.

He remained there for about an hour. Numerous sheriff’s deputies arrived at the crime scene.

Deputies eventually convinced Brooks to come outside and surrender to authorities.

Numerous Charges

Brooks was charged with attempted second-degree homicide, tampering with evidence, use of firearm in commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, discharge of a firearm in a residential area, and resisting an officer without violence, according to WFLA.

He was booked on the charges. The case will be turned over to local prosecutors. Brooks has yet to enter a plea on the charges. If convicted, he could face many years in prison.

No word if Brewer will be charged for his role in the confrontation. It’s unclear if either man was injured during the violent incidents.

Authorities didn’t reveal how large an amount of money was involved in the original dispute.