Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg Suspect Arrested for Brazen Armed Holdup

Posted on: March 3, 2024, 06:31h. 

Last updated on: March 4, 2024, 12:02h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A gun-wielding bandit was apprehended following a massive manhunt on Saturday night. The search came shortly after he allegedly tried to rob Indiana’s Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg.

The unnamed suspect pulled out a firearm and apparently demanded cash from workers inside the cashier’s cage, according to initial reports. It’s unknown how much money, if any, he was given.

There were unconfirmed reports the robber then tried to grab a hostage before running down a hallway. He escaped through an exit. He eventually was caught by local police.

Frightened visitors fled toward exits. Or they tried to hide by laying on the casino floor or ducking under tables, one witness, Chris Simon, told Ohio TV station WCPO.

It was probably around 8 when we first heard it. Everyone was running up through the hallway saying ‘get behind something. Gun! Gun!’,” an unnamed eyewitness further revealed to Ohio TV station WLWT.

No shots were fired, but there was, at one point, an alert announced on a public address system at the casino for an active shooter, according to initial reports.

One unidentified person was injured as a result of the holdup. He was described as an elderly man who suffered cuts after he fell onto the casino floor, WCPO reported.

Casino security alerted local police about the holdup at about 7:30 p.m.

Police officers from Indiana, Ohio. and Kentucky descended on the casino or to nearby areas. Casino visitors also scattered in fear when a fire alarm sounded, according to Ohio TV station WKRC.

Witnesses told local media that many officers, ambulances, and a SWAT team rushed to the gaming property. Officers searched the building and nearby locations in an effort to capture the robber.

Officers also were stationed at exits to keep their eyes out for the suspect as visitors went to their vehicles. Traffic reportedly was prevented from exiting and entering the gaming property until the suspect was caught. That led to traffic delays.

Drone, Dogs Track Suspect

Authorities used specially trained dogs, a drone, and a helicopter to search for the robber.

He eventually was located and caught by police in nearby woods, according to WLWT.

It’s believed the suspect was taken to a police station and booked. The case will be turned over to local prosecutors.

No word of any additional suspects involved in the holdup.

Casino Play Resumes

The robbery interrupted casino play. But by about 9 p.m., the casino floor once again was operating as normal, according to news reports.

“I just mainly want to make sure that everybody knew that the scene is safe at this point,” Dearborn County Sheriff Shane McHenry was quoted by WLWT on Saturday night.

With Facebook, social media, there’s a lot of uncertainty, and we just want to get the word out that … as far as we’re concerned, everything’s safe and we do have somebody … in custody,” McHenry said.

The gaming property is located on the Ohio River, which separates Indiana and Kentucky. It’s some 107 miles southeast of Indianapolis, Ind.

The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) had officers at the casino. The IGC has taken over as lead agency in investigating the holdup.