Journal & Topics Media Group

Man Charged After Fleeing Casino; Gets Soaking Wet


A Chicago man was not only charged earlier with theft following an attempt to take nearly $6,000 worth of chips and cash from Rivers Casino, but got soaking wet in the process.

Brandon Lee McLaurin, 51, of the 4500 block of S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, was taken into custody after allegedly fleeing the casino on foot and running into nearby woods across River Road along the Des Plaines River.

According to Cmdr. Christopher Mierzwa of the Des Plaines Police Dept., McLaurin took the chips and cash from a player at a gaming table before fleeing.

“Officers set up a perimeter, and the offender was taken into custody shortly thereafter,” Mierzwa said of the offender’s attempt to run from the scene. Deputy Chief Chester Zaprzalka said the woods were soaking wet at the time.

Mierzwa also confirmed there was another recent theft incident at the casino which included an attempt to steal $30,000 in chips. This case is being handled by Illinois Gaming Board.

Gene O’Shea, Illinois Gaming Board spokesperson, said the incident occurred early in the morning on April 12.

“That’s all I can say,” O’Shea told the Journal & Topics.

 

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