Over the past few months, it seems that criminal activity has ramped up in the casino sector. Several casinos in Nevada were robbed by an individual who police believe they have caught, while other incidents of bad behavior have also occurred in other states.
Just this week, a casino in Pennsylvania was robbed, while a security guard in Illinois was attacked and hit with racial slurs.
Hempfield Township Casino Robbed of $9,500
In Pennsylvania, police have issued a warrant for an individual who stole money from a casino in the Hempfield Township. The incident took place a few days ago, and police are now on the hunt for an unnamed individual who took $9,500 from the venue. It appears the casino affected was the Live! Casino Pittsburgh at the Westmoreland Mall (pictured, left).
The victim was not the casino but a player. A 50-year-old man had $9,500 in cash on his person when he sat it down on a machine and walked away for a moment. When he returned, the cash was gone. Casino footage was able to determine who took the cash, and police made an identification.
A warrant is now out for the individual, but the name of the person involved has yet to be released.
Harrah’s Casino Patron Arrested for Security Guard Attack
In other crazy casino news, a patron of the Harrah’s Casino in Joliet was arrested this week for attacking a security guard. Dennis Demsco (pictured, right) of Lockport was asked to leave the casino several times and refused to do so. It is unclear why he was asked to leave, but when security tried to detain him, it led to a fight. Demsco kicked the man and began yelling racial slurs and other profanities at officers as police arrived.
The man was eventually taken into custody and held at the Joliet Police Department. He refused to cooperate when it came to booking and was placed in jail on a bond of $10,500. He was booked on charges of criminal trespass, obstructing justice, and aggravated battery.
Remaining Safe at a Casino
These instances are just a small example of criminal and odd behavior that can occur at a casino. When visiting a property, it is a good idea to remain clear-headed and aware of your surroundings. Never carry around as much cash as the robbery victim from Pennsylvania, as this can make you a target for criminals.
Pay attention to those around you and walk away to another area if something suspicious is happening. Security is prevalent at most casinos, and instances of criminal behavior should be thwarted quickly, but you can keep yourself safe by remaining calm and aware of those around you.
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