On September 30, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa in Florida was evacuated on two occasions after two concealed devices were uncovered on site. The explosive devices with radio control were found inside two restrooms at the venue. Now, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) confirmed that a man, suspected of placing the devices was apprehended.
Suspect Detained After Forensic Analysis Ties Evidence to Separate Arrest
On Thursday, the FDLE confirmed that following an extensive investigation and collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies, a 46-year-old man from Tampa, identified with the initials B.R.E., was arrested on suspicion of producing and placing the explosive devices at the Tampa casino.
While the investigation into the incident remains active, the FDLE joined forces with the Seminole Police Department, the FBI Tampa Field Division and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on the case. After the investigation started on September 30, the suspect was detained exactly a month later on October 30.
To catch the suspect, police reviewed surveillance footage and conducted interviews. This led them to a white Ford Explorer that the suspect, an unknown male at the time, had driven. Surprisingly, it was forensic analysis that helped tie evidence from an unrelated case to the explosive devices.
This helped law enforcement identify the suspect, who was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on an unrelated case of aggravated assault several days before the devices were planted at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.
The Man Faces a Maximum of 30 Years Behind Bars If Found Guilty
At the end of September, the swift actions of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Team helped remove and deactivate the explosive devices. Nobody was hurt in the process and the casino only closed its doors for several hours at the time.
With the suspect now in custody, if found guilty, he may be facing a lengthy prison sentence. The 46-year-old Tampa resident is facing two counts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing or discharging any destructive device. If found guilty of the charges, B.R.E. may face up to 30 years in prison.
“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.“
Suzy Lopez, Florida State Attorney
Mark Brutnell, FDLE Tampa Bay’s Special Agent in Charge, revealed that the suspect tried to evade law enforcement. However, the Special Agent said that the outstanding work of the forensic and investigative team helped track down the suspect and bring him to justice.
Florida State Attorney Suzy Lopez added that the recent case represents a perfect example of how different law enforcement agencies need to effectively collaborate to ensure the safety of the public. She said that anyone who attempts to bring harm to innocent people will be held accountable for such actions. Finally, Lopez praised the swift actions of law enforcement that resulted in the arrest and charges against the suspect.
