Florida man arrested after explosives found in casino bathroom

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was arrested on October 30 and charged with two counts of manufacturing and placing a destructive device with intent to harm (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office) — Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was arrested on October 30 and charged with two counts of manufacturing and placing a destructive device with intent to harm (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

AND Florida A man was arrested after allegedly hiding two radio-controlled explosives in toilets casino, Police he said.

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46 Tampawas arrested on October 30 and charged with two counts of manufacturing and placing a destructive device with intent to cause harm, the Department of Law enforcement he said in A release on Thursday.

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

An investigation began Sept. 30 in Tampa after a suspect allegedly hid devices in two restrooms at a local casino.

Casino employees found the devices before they could cause damage.

Authorities did not name the casino in the press release, but Times in Tampa Bay reports that the devices were found in the city Hard Rock Casino.

According to the newspaper, the arrest warrant states that if detonated, the devices “created a risk of serious bodily injury to persons nearby.”

Investigators learned that a man had been behaving suspiciously in the casino a few days earlier. A man was seen driving a white Ford Explorer. After lengthy interviews, observations and analytical work, investigators traced the vehicle to Eckley.

Days before the explosives were planted, Eckley was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in an unrelated aggravated assault case. Forensic analysts have linked evidence from this case to the devices.

“This case is a great example of our local and state law enforcement working together to keep our community safe. If you intentionally attempt to harm innocent people, my office will hold you accountable,” added State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “I want to commend each of our law enforcement partners for their quick actions that secured the arrest and prosecution of this defendant.”

Eckley was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. The hearing regarding his pre-trial detention is scheduled for November 5.