In a shocking display of crime, an elderly couple from Illinois fell victim to a robbery shortly after their incredible $130,000 win at a local casino. Police reports detail how the couple, in their 70s, was followed home by the assailants and violently robbed of their winnings after an exciting evening at the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, on September 16, 2024.
The crime, which has left the local community in shock, involved two individuals who stalked the couple as they left the casino, tracking them back to their home in Hoffman Estates. Authorities believe that the thieves were keeping a close eye on the couple from inside the casino, specifically targeting them after they had secured their winnings. Once the couple arrived home, the suspects ambushed them in their driveway, violently assaulting them before making off with the cash.
WATCH: A Florida couple was followed and ambushed outside their home after winning a $3,000 jackpot at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/1aetYIsrHG
— Sabrina Smolders 🦋🌹 (@SabrinaSmolders) August 15, 2024
According to the police report, the couple had cashed out their winnings after a thrilling evening on the casino floor, making their way out with hopes of celebrating their newfound fortune. However, their joy was short-lived as the criminals, who had clearly been waiting for the right moment, struck as soon as the couple reached home. The thieves forcibly took the couple’s winnings, leaving them shaken and injured.
Officers with the Hoffman Estates Police Department confirmed that the couple sustained non-life-threatening injuries but were understandably traumatized by the incident. Detectives are now working to review surveillance footage from both the casino and the surrounding areas near the couple’s residence, hoping to gather crucial evidence to identify and apprehend the suspects.
❌ CRIME FOOTAGE:
Man gets brutally robbed at a casino after winning it big.
Where is the security? pic.twitter.com/hscFcTvPid
— Police Shootings (@PoliceSho0tings) August 13, 2024
This robbery has drawn considerable attention, both due to the amount of money involved and the brazenness of the crime. Security experts have raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of casino patrons, particularly the elderly, who may be seen as easy targets by criminals lurking inside or near gambling establishments. "Unfortunately, this is a common tactic used by thieves," said one security consultant. "Casinos are high-stakes environments, and criminals will often watch for big winners, especially older patrons, and follow them home to rob them."
The Rivers Casino, where the couple won their jackpot, issued a statement following the robbery, expressing concern over the safety of their patrons and their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation. "The safety of our guests is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement as they investigate this unfortunate incident. We are taking steps to ensure that our patrons feel secure when they visit our casino," the statement read.
This crime is part of a larger trend of criminals targeting vulnerable individuals leaving casinos across the country. In recent years, several similar incidents have been reported, sparking debates about whether additional security measures, such as armed escorts or enhanced parking lot surveillance, should be provided to patrons who win large sums of money. While some casinos offer escorts for patrons, these services are often not widely advertised or used, leaving many winners unprotected.
Hoffman Estates Police are urging anyone with information about the robbery to come forward. Meanwhile, local authorities are advising casino-goers to exercise caution when leaving such establishments, particularly after securing large sums of money. "People need to be aware of their surroundings, especially after winning big at a casino. Criminals are looking for easy targets, and unfortunately, this couple became one," said a local law enforcement official.
