A Florida man was arrested this week for allegedly leaving two remote-controlled improvised explosive devices inside the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, authorities said.
Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, or discharging any destructive device, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said in a statement.
The investigation began on Sept. 30 after employees found two radio-controlled explosive devices hidden inside two restrooms at the casino. The suspect was initially identified as an unknown male driving a white Ford Explorer. Further investigation by FDLE, the Seminole Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the FBI Tampa Field Division led to Eckley.
"Eckley did everything he could to hide from law enforcement," FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said in a statement. "But thanks to the exceptional work of this investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions."
Investigators say that Eckley was arrested by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in an unrelated aggravated assault with a firearm case just days before allegedly planting the explosives. Evidence from the first case was connected to the explosive devices by FDLE forensic analysts.
"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. I want to commend each of our law enforcement partners for their swift actions that ensured this defendant's arrest and prosecution," said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
"On behalf of the Seminole Police Department of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, I want to acknowledge and thank the organizations and individuals who have been instrumental in helping us make this important arrest," said Lieutenant Ken Azpeitia, who has led the investigation for the Seminole Police Department. "Public safety is our highest priority, and your teamwork and expertise have helped us to ensure public safety."
With reporting by TMX
