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Tampa man who placed 2 explosive devices at Seminole Hard Rock Casino arrested, officials say

Updated: 01-11-2024, 06.23 AM

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested following a joint explosive device investigation from last month’s Seminole Hard Rock Casino evacuation, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

On Sept. 30, the casino was evacuated twice within a 12-hour period after suspicious devices were found in the men’s bathroom. Police described it as a “crude concealed device with firework components.”

Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa evacuated twice after suspicious devices found, police say

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was identified as the suspect and was arrested on Wednesday. He has been charged with two counts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, or discharging a destructive device with the intent to cause harm, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said.

He wore a mask, had burner cell phones, and used an alias.

“He was very good, but we’re better, ” officials said.

Authorities said Eckley placed two radio-controlled explosive devices inside the bathroom, which were discovered by an employee. Following the discovery of the second device, the bomb squad rendered the devices safe and guests were free to return to the casino.

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

On Sept. 25, the investigation revealed Eckley was roaming around the casino in his white Ford, which he purchased under an alias and paid in cash. On Sept. 27, he was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Eckley is currently being held in the Hillsborough County Jail.

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The case is now being handed over to State Attorney Suzy Lopez. Officials said Eckley faces up to 30 years in the Florida state prison.

This remains an active investigation.

The FDLE was joined by the Seminole Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, and the FBI Tampa Division in Thursday morning’s press conference.

WFLA live streamed the conference at 11 a.m., which can be viewed in the video player above.

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