Authorities have apprehended two individuals in connection with a series of about 20 vehicle thefts at casinos located in the Philadelphia region.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday asserts that 33-year-old Darnell Martin and 29-year-old Eric Blackwell participated in a bold crime wave in June, targeting vehicles parked at casinos in Philadelphia. Surveillance footage reportedly documented both individuals breaking into cars and stealing various items, including firearms, personal checks, debit and credit cards, and clothing.

Within Philadelphia, there are two notable casinos: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, located in the Fishtown neighborhood, and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia found in the Stadium District.

Secure Your Vehicles

Attorney General Sunday emphasized that the vehicles targeted by Martin and Blackwell were left unlocked while their owners engaged in gaming activities inside the casinos. He referred to this crime spree as a “significant reminder” for individuals to secure their vehicles, especially when carrying firearms and other valuables.

This situation highlights a lack of common sense — there is no justification for leaving your vehicle unlocked. Gun owners, in particular, should exercise caution and understand the allure of firearms to thieves.”

Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday

“Weapons that are stolen pose a direct danger to the community, as they often appear at crime scenes or in the possession of individuals not legally allowed to have firearms,” the attorney general remarked.

According to Sunday, the arrests of Martin and Blackwell resulted in a recovery of several stolen items; however, the two missing firearms remain unaccounted for.

Both suspects face felony charges for theft and illegal possession of firearms, which may result in imprisonment and heavy fines.

Blackwell has an extensive criminal history, including a 2023 conviction for carrying a firearm in public. Martin also has a record of past convictions related to burglary and possession of prohibited firearms.

Casino Surveillance Aids Investigation

Sunday noted that the casinos played a pivotal role in assisting law enforcement with their investigation into the parking lot thefts. This inquiry was carried out by the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force alongside the Philadelphia Police Department. Sunday explained that exterior surveillance footage from the casinos captured Martin and Blackwell during the crimes, with Martin breaking into the vehicles while Blackwell acted as a lookout.

“Investigators found that Martin regularly visited casinos to search for unlocked vehicles in the parking areas,” said Sunday.

Although Fishtown and the Stadium District are generally regarded as safer neighborhoods in Philadelphia, crime statistics suggest they are at lower risk compared to more volatile areas. Nonetheless, Fishtown borders North Philadelphia, known for its high crime regions such as Kensington, Fairhill, and Strawberry Mansion.