A Florida man is in hot water after being arrested for allegedly placing two radio-controlled explosive devices in the restrooms of a local casino, authorities said.
Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, from Tampa, was taken into custody on October 30, facing serious charges of making and placing destructive devices with intent to cause harm, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
“Eckley tried to slip through the cracks of the law,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “But thanks to the exceptional work of this investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions.”
The bizarre incident took place on September 30 when Eckley reportedly stashed the devices in two casino toilets. Fortunately, sharp-eyed casino employees discovered the explosives before they could wreak havoc.
While authorities withheld the casino’s name, the Tampa Bay Times revealed it was none other than the Hard Rock Casino.
An arrest warrant detailed that the devices posed a serious threat of injury to anyone in the area had they detonated. Investigators caught wind of Eckley after he was seen acting suspiciously around the casino.
Just days before this explosive debacle, Eckley had been arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for an unrelated case of aggravated assault with a firearm. Forensic evidence linked him directly to the devices, tying this case together like a classic Florida crime saga.
“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 attempt to harm innocent people, you will be held accountable by my office,” stated State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “I want to commend each of our law enforcement partners for their swift actions that ensured this defendant’s arrest and prosecution.”
Eckley is currently cooling his heels in the Hillsborough County Jail, with a pretrial detention hearing slated for November 5, according to court records.
