Arkansas Casino Parking Lot Shooting: Crime News Update from the Casino


Published on: November 8, 2024, 09:42h. 

Last updated on: November 8, 2024, 09:52h.

Gunshots were heard early Friday in the parking lot of Southland Casino Hotel in Arkansas. It is uncertain if anyone was harmed or the reason behind the gunfire.

The Southland Casino entrance, pictured above. Shots were fired in the Arkansas casino parking lot. (Image: LocalMemphis.com)

There is no information available on whether a suspect has been identified after the incident at the West Memphis, Ark. casino.

The casino issued a statement regarding the shooting, stating “Our security team immediately contacted West Memphis police after the isolated incident early this morning in the parking lot outside the casino.”

“The safety and security of our guests and team members is our top priority, and we have a comprehensive security program in place, including a weapons detection system at every entrance that prevents weapons from entering the casino,” added the casino statement.

Authorities are examining casino surveillance footage to identify a suspect.

Local media reported that multiple police officers responded to the parking lot to investigate the shooting. By sunrise, the lot appeared to be empty.

Texas Casino Workers Arrested

Three employees at Casino El Azul in Texas were arrested following an illegal gambling raid this week.

The individuals were taken into custody after 48 gambling machines and an undisclosed amount of cash were found by deputies, as reported by Texas TV station KRGV. The gaming machines were not operational at the time of seizure, according to ValleyCentral.com.

The suspects were apprehended by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday. They were identified as Ariel Hernandez, 34, Alma Garcia, 50, and Maria Alicia Ramirez Beltran, 53.

They were detained at the Hidalgo County jail on various charges, including maintaining a gambling establishment, possessing gambling equipment, promoting gambling, and participating in organized criminal activity.

As of Friday morning, all three suspects remained in custody, according to online jail records. Their cases have been handed over to local prosecutors.

Casino Explosives Defendant Appears in Court

The individual accused of placing two explosive devices in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa appeared in a Florida court on Tuesday.

The case involving Bryan Eckley, 46, was postponed, as per Florida TV station WTVT.

Eckley allegedly planted the crude explosives in a casino restroom on September 29 and 30. Their discovery led to two evacuations. The devices were rendered safe, and no injuries were reported.

Eckley, a roofer, faces two charges of creating, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, or discharging a destructive device with the intent to cause harm. He is now represented by Anthony Rickman, a Florida lawyer specializing in criminal defense.

Rickman, a former prosecutor, is currently assessing the evidence in Eckley’s explosives case.

“He is considered innocent,” Rickman told WTVT about his client. “I urge everyone to withhold judgment until all the facts are revealed. Ultimately, once all the facts are divulged, I believe the evidence will prove his innocence.”



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