Florida man arrested after explosive device found in casino restroom

A. Florida A man has been arrested for allegedly hiding two radio-controlled explosives in a hotel toilet. casino, police in question.

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, tampaHe was arrested on Oct. 30 and charged with two counts of making and installing destructive devices with intent to cause harm, the Florida Department said. Law Enforcement he said release on Thursday.

“Eckley did everything he could to hide from law enforcement,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “But thanks to this investigation and the extraordinary work of the forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions.”

The investigation began Sept. 30 in Tampa after the suspect allegedly hid the devices in two restrooms at a local casino.

Casino employees found the devices without causing damage.

Officials did not name the casino in the news release, but Tampa Bay Times He reported that the devices were found in the center of the city. Hard Rock Casino.

According to the arrest warrant, the devices would have “posed a risk of serious bodily injury to anyone in the vicinity” if they had exploded, the newspaper reported.

Investigators learned that a man was acting suspiciously at the casino a few days ago. The man was seen driving a white Ford Explorer, and after lengthy interviews, surveillance and analytical work, investigators tracked the vehicle to Eckley.

Days before the explosive devices were planted, Eckley was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on an unrelated case of aggravated assault with a firearm. Forensic analysts linked the evidence in this case to the devices.

“This case is a shining example of how our local and state law enforcement agencies work together to make our community safe. When you intentionally seek to harm innocent people, you will be held accountable by my office,” added State’s Attorney Suzy Lopez. “I want to commend each of our law enforcement partners for their swift actions that led to the arrest and prosecution of this defendant.”

Eckley was booked into Hillsborough County Jail. The pre-trial detention hearing will be held on November 5.