An 82-year-old military veteran asserts that metal implants in his leg, resulting from a hip operation, triggered a security alarm at Encore Boston Harbor. This incident allegedly initiated a series of events leading to his unlawful detention.
Robert M. Joost filed a civil rights lawsuit on Wednesday in a federal court in Massachusetts against the casino, the Everett Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and several officers whose names are currently unknown to him.
As stated in the complaint, Joost served in the Army’s First Cavalry Division near the demilitarized zone in Korea during the early 1960s. He later experienced a broken hip that required surgical intervention, resulting in the insertion of several metal rods in his hip and leg. Additionally, he carries medical equipment due to various health issues.
Unwelcome Scrutiny
On May 30, 2026, Joost, a frequent visitor to Encore since its 2019 inception, activated a security alarm while passing through a checkpoint at the casino entrance. According to the lawsuit, a security guard instructed him to undergo additional screening.
Frustrated by the unwelcome attention, Joost expressed his intention to leave. He proceeded to step outside and boarded an Encore shuttle destined for South Station.
However, the situation did not conclude there.
As Joost ascended the bus steps, a police officer and casino staff instructed him to return outside, as claimed in the complaint. Several officers from Everett and the Massachusetts State Police then formed a semicircle around him, with one officer accompanied by a police dog.
An Everett detective purportedly informed Joost that the security system had indicated the presence of what appeared to be a firearm. Joost denied carrying any weapon and suggested that the alert might have been triggered by metal implants in his body or his medical possessions, according to the lawsuit.
Despite his repeated requests to leave, Joost was told the police were conducting an investigation and that he was not free to depart. Ultimately, he surrendered his driver’s license, which the detective subsequently checked via police radio, as stated in the complaint.
This confrontation occurred in view of other patrons and continued even after the shuttle had left, Joost asserts. Approximately 15 minutes later, police returned his license without any arrest or charges but subsequently prohibited him from entering Encore and required him to leave the premises immediately, hindering him from waiting for another shuttle, according to the lawsuit.
Long Trek Home
Joost claims he was compelled to walk nearly a mile in inclement weather to reach Sullivan Square station. He describes the encounter as leaving him feeling humiliated, anxious, and emotionally distressed.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of infringing upon Joost’s constitutional rights and alleges unlawful detention, abuse of process, negligence, and the intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Joost is seeking a declaration affirming his rights were violated, along with $250,000 in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages from each defendant. A jury trial has been requested.
Casino.org has reached out to the casino, Everett Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police for comments regarding the situation.