A Florida man was taken into custody on Oct. 30, suspected of planting radio-controlled bombs in restroom toilets at Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino. The suspect, 46-year-old Bryan Robert Eckley of Tampa, now faces multiple charges, including manufacturing and placing destructive devices with the intent to cause harm, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Authorities Reveal Details of the Investigation
“Eckley did everything he could to hide from law enforcement,” stated FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell in a recent press release. “But thanks to the exceptional work of our investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions.”
Devices Detected Before Detonation
The case unfolded on Sept. 30 when two explosive devices were discovered in separate restrooms within the casino. Fortunately, employees spotted the devices before they could cause any damage, sparking an in-depth investigation.
Tracing the Suspect: From Surveillance to Arrest
Investigators initially identified the suspect as an unknown male driving a white Ford Explorer. Through interviews, surveillance footage, and analytical work, authorities were eventually able to identify and arrest Eckley.
Interestingly, just days before the explosive devices were discovered, Eckley had already been arrested in an unrelated incident involving aggravated assault with a firearm by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Forensic analysts linked evidence from that arrest to the explosive devices found in the casino.
Collaboration Among Law Enforcement Agencies
The investigation received additional support from the Seminole Police Department and the FBI’s Tampa Field Division. Though initial reports didn’t mention the casino’s name, the Tampa Bay Times confirmed that the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa was the targeted property.
“This case is a shining example of how our local and state law enforcement agencies work together to make our community safe,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “When you intentionally attempt to harm innocent people, you will be held accountable by my office. I want to commend each of our law enforcement partners for their swift actions that ensured this defendant’s arrest and prosecution.”
Motive Still Unknown
So far, authorities have not offered any insight into Eckley’s motive for allegedly planting the explosive devices within the casino.
Related News: Pennsylvania Casino Lawsuit
In a separate, somewhat casino-related incident, a Pennsylvania woman recently filed a lawsuit against a casino, claiming an overhead pipe burst while she was playing slots. The burst pipe reportedly drenched her in human waste, resulting in a two-week hospital stay due to infection.