Gunfire erupted near the Bear River Casino Resort in Loleta, California, early Thursday morning, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The incident involved two pedestrians who were targeted but fortunately escaped unharmed. According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred at 3:40 a.m. The victims reported that the shooters were in a silver, two-door sedan and a black pickup truck.
Law enforcement quickly tracked two of the suspects to a residence on Carroll Road, where several firearms were discovered. Fernando Martinez, 26, of Visalia, California, was arrested for violating parole and resisting arrest. Robert Ellis, 33, of Loleta, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing an unregistered firearm. Later that day, Madison Carroll, 23, also from Loleta, was charged with brandishing and discharging a firearm. The investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing.
The Bear River Casino Resort, located approximately 275 miles north of Sacramento, is operated by the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria.
Gas Leak Causes Evacuation at Eagle Mountain Casino
In another incident in California, a gas leak prompted the evacuation of the Eagle Mountain Casino in Portersville on Thursday night. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and guests were allowed to return to the tribal gaming property by around 10 p.m. The cause of the gas leak remains unknown.
Local firefighters and the gas company responded promptly to the scene, ensuring the safety of the casino’s visitors and staff. The Eagle Mountain Casino, operated by the Tule River Tribe of California, relocated to Portersville in May 2023, moving from its smaller original location.
Louisiana Casino Theft
Meanwhile, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, an unidentified man stole vouchers from a casino patron on July 30. The victim, a woman, had left the vouchers on top of a gaming machine when the suspect snuck up behind her and took them. The vouchers were valued at several hundred dollars.
Lake Charles Police Department Lt. Brenda Treadway reported that the theft occurred at about 12:49 a.m. on July 30. Although the name of the casino was not disclosed, surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect, who is also wanted for questioning in connection with another incident at the same location.
This roundup highlights a series of troubling incidents in casinos across the United States, underscoring the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety and security at gaming properties.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.