Casino Crime Roundup: Player Damages Elevator, Gets Trapped Inside

Posted on: December 18, 2023, 06:47h. 

Last updated on: December 18, 2023, 03:18h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A 45-year-old man was arrested this month after he allegedly vandalized an elevator at Pennsylvania’s Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

Pennsylvania’s Hollywood Casino
Pennsylvania’s Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, pictured above. Once it stopped working, a casino loser kicked at elevator doors and had to be rescued. (Image: TripAdvisor)

The unnamed Harrisburg, Pa. resident lost money while wagering and became angry during his December 9 visit to the gaming property.

In a fit of anger, he walked into the elevator and then repeatedly kicked the elevator doors. The elevator got stuck between floors, trapping him until he could be rescued by Grantville, Pa. firefighters, according to Pennsylvania TV station WHTM.

Authorities didn’t immediately release his charges.

Banned Casino Visitor Ransacks Jeep

A guest was given a lifetime ban at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and then allegedly broke into a vehicle at the property and stole several items.

On December 9, Christopher Motta, 27, of Pittsburgh, was banned permanently from the gaming property in connection with a prior theft, according to Pennsylvania TV station WPXI.

Motta and a second person were ordered to leave the casino floor. Officials led them to a lobby, but rather than leave the complex, the duo walked over to the fourth floor of the casino’s parking garage, where Motta spotted a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee.

He attempted to pull his jacket over his face, but surveillance cameras caught him breaking into the vehicle, authorities said. He ransacked the car and swiped several items, including a loaded firearm, police added.

When officers approached him in the garage, Motta attempted to hide the stolen items by placing them under another vehicle. At the time he was apprehended, police found the loaded gun, a holster, and other items stolen from the Jeep while searching the fourth floor of the parking garage.

Motta was charged with possession of a firearm, firearms not to be carried without a license, theft from a motor vehicle, theft by unlawful taking, tampering with/fabricating physical evidence, receiving stolen property, evading arrest or detention on foot, and disorderly conduct, according to WPXI.

His case was turned over to local prosecutors.

Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck Near Casino

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle early Monday near the Encore Boston Harbor Casino and died a short time later.

The victim was seriously injured in the 3 a.m. collision, according to local police. It appears the person was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but was declared dead from the injuries. Police didn’t release the victim’s name, according to local news reports.

The vehicle sped off after striking the pedestrian. Police continued to search for the car later on Monday morning.

Traffic near the collision was rerouted as officers investigated the crash. It took place close to Dexter and Alford streets in Charlestown, Mass., near the Everett town line.