Posted on: October 6, 2023, 10:01h. 

Last updated on: October 6, 2023, 10:01h.

Rapid City, S.D. police officers are actively searching for the perpetrator who brandished a knife and robbed a local gaming property on Wednesday.

The daring heist occurred at 777 Casino on West Main Street at approximately 8 a.m., as reported by Rapid City TV station KNBN.

The lone thief demanded money from a casino employee, who complied and handed over the cash before the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect is described as Hispanic or Native American and standing approximately 5’4″ tall. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a red, white, and blue mask, a grey sweatshirt, and dark pants.

Police have not disclosed the exact amount of money stolen. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.

As of late, police have yet to identify a suspect or make any arrests.

This is not the first robbery to occur at this particular casino. A previous incident took place on Christmas Eve, resulting in an undisclosed amount of cash being taken.

Shooting Incident Near Oklahoma Casino

Gunshots were fired during a fight between two brothers outside of the Gold Mountain Casino in Ardmore, Okla. on Tuesday morning.

Ten officers from the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department responded to the scene, as reported by Texas TV station KXII.

No injuries were sustained during the altercation.

Police apprehended an unidentified suspect and confiscated the firearm.

Southern Tech, a nearby educational institution, implemented a lockdown while the incident was ongoing.

The casino reportedly remained open throughout the incident.

Five Arrested for Illegal Gambling

Following raids last year on storefront operations in Michigan, five suspects have recently been arraigned in court after numerous gaming machines were seized.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced the arrests after investigations into activities at The State Road Spot in Davison, Mich. and The Bristol Spot in Burton, Mich., both located in Genesee County.

During the raids, authorities seized a total of 100 illegal gambling devices, along with over $29,000 in cash and 62 gift cards.

The Davison location had 65 gaming devices, including 54 computer towers and 11 gambling machines.

The Burton location had 23 computer towers and 12 gambling machines.

In addition, other devices were discovered at the scene.

Both raids occurred on April 27, 2022.

Two suspects, Joseph Toporek and Mary Larkin, are each facing eight charges, including:

• Three counts of operating a gambling establishment without a license.
• Three counts of using computers to commit a crime.
• Maintaining a gambling establishment for profit.
• Operating a gambling establishment.

The remaining suspects, Shaun Bellah Sr., Shaun Bellah II, and Ghazwan Brikho, are each facing 10 charges, including:

• Five counts of engaging in a criminal enterprise.
• Conspiracy to engage in a criminal enterprise.
• Operating a gambling establishment without a license.
• Using computers to commit a crime.
• Maintaining a gambling establishment for profit.
• Operating a gambling establishment.

All suspects have been arraigned in Genesee County District Court between August and September and have been released on personal recognizance bonds.

The investigation was initiated after the MGCB received a tip regarding illegal activity in Burton. The discovery of gambling at the second location was made as part of the ongoing investigation.

Accountability is crucial when it comes to upholding justice and ensuring a fair and honest gaming environment in the state of Michigan,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

“While the Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to hold those who choose to circumvent the law accountable for their actions, we also acknowledge the importance of fairness, equality, and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.”