Virginia Jackpot Winner is Robbed After Trio Give Him Ride Home From Casino

Virginia Jackpot Winner is Robbed After Trio Give Him Ride Home From Casino

Authorities are looking for the thieves who stole from a Virginia Beach individual who won $10,000 on New Year's Eve. He endured multiple injuries after departing from Virginia’s Rivers Casino Portsmouth with the three unfamiliar individuals. 

The group had proposed to drive the man, and he agreed. However, upon reaching home, they took his money and cell phone, and assaulted him. 

As he exited the vehicle, two of the attackers came toward him. One warned that they would shoot him and seized his neck. The second bandit seized the victim's shorts and tried to take the money. 

The victim engaged in a struggle, but ultimately one of the suspects wrenched the cash away and the trio of robbers escaped the area. 

According to Virginia TV station WAVY, the victim received care for his injuries on January 1 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. 

Mobile Phone is Key Evidence 

While searching the crime scene, a police officer discovered an iPhone. The victim thought it was owned by one of the suspects who lost it in the altercation. 

Authorities aim to investigate the information on the device, prompting them to request a search warrant from a nearby judge. The warrant application stated that the data were deemed “essential to the inquiry into [the] robbery.” 

Police probably examined surveillance footage from the casino to verify the identities of the suspects. They might have been tracking him on the gaming floor after he won the money. 

The three suspects were not arrested by this week. 

In a statement to WAVY, Rivers Casino Portsmouth remarked, “Rivers Casino has been fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies during their investigation.” 

“The safety of our guests is always a top priority. Escorts are provided upon request when exiting the property, and a variety of cashless options are available.”

Safety Tips for Victors 

Casino security experts frequently suggest to players who win money, particularly larger sums, to request a check from the cashier’s cage instead of accepting the winnings in cash. 

They also advise players to pay attention to their environment and stay alert to anyone who might be observing them. Furthermore, it's advised against accepting a ride from unfamiliar individuals following a victory.