For the second time in 16 months, the Bellagio poker room was robbed on Friday night. This time, however, the suspect, who allegedly shot at a bulletproof vest-wearing police officer who then returned fire, was apprehended.
The incident occurred at around 9:45 pm, a time when the Las Vegas Strip casino is packed. Investigators have yet to release details of the robbery, including the name of the suspect and officer involved.
Nearly 16 months later, police are still searching for the suspect in the November 2017 robbery. Only a few, apparently dead-end leads have surfaced. Although the robber left with casino chips, no one was physically harmed.
It was a different story last night, however.
Shots Fired at Valet
At around 9:45 pm Friday, an unidentified armed man approached the Bellagio poker room cage. He sought money from the cashier and flaunted his weapon as a threat to get what he wanted. It’s unknown how much money or casino chips he left with.
After exiting the poker room, he approached the valet parking area on the north side of the casino where he attempted to hijack a car, according to police. That is when four police officers caught up to him and engaged with the alleged robber.
The suspect shot at one of the officers, striking him in the chest. The officer then returned fire, hitting the suspect once, causing potential life-threatening injuries. He is currently in critical condition at University Medical Center.
The officer is also being treated but thanks to his bulletproof vest is expected to survive. Police interviewed multiple witnesses following the incident.
As is standard policy, Metro won’t release the name of the wounded officer for 48 hours. Capt. Nichole Splinter told media that they can expect a more detailed report within 72 hours.
Poker Aftermath Shared on Twitter
The Bellagio poker room is always packed on Friday nights. Many of the biggest names in the game can be spotted competing inside Bobby’s Room, the high-stakes room attached to the main card room.
Eli Elezra, who normally plays in Bobby’s Room, shared a photo from right in front of the cage that had been robbed minutes earlier.
Unreal @BellagioPoker cage got robbed again at gun point.15 minutes ago while we where playing our game scary Shit pic.twitter.com/qoZ3lHMOIS
— Eli Elezra (@elielezra1) March 16, 2019
Rick Fuller, who left his job in law enforcement to play poker, might want to consider a career in photography. He snapped this epic post-robbery photo.
Going to be a long night at #Bellagio. Poker cage robbed, @LVMPD shot the robber outside, poker room on lockdown. pic.twitter.com/MgC4JijGXT
— Rick (@Gamblindude) March 16, 2019
The robbery caused commotion inside the Bellagio poker room. But no players or casino staff were harmed. We’ll keep you updated as this story progresses over the coming days.
