Tampa man who planted 2 explosive devices at Seminole Hard Rock Casino arrested

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man has been arrested following a joint investigation into explosive devices from last month’s Seminole Hard Rock Casino evacuation, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

On September 30, the The casino was evacuated twice within a 12-hour period after suspicious devices were found in the men’s bathroom. Police described it as a “crude hidden device with fireworks components”.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa was evacuated twice after suspicious devices were found, police said

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was identified as the suspect and was arrested Wednesday. He was charged with two counts of making, possessing, throwing, designing, placing or discharging a destructive device with intent to cause injury, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said.

He wore a mask, had burning cell phones and used an alias.

“It was very good, but we are better,” the officials said.

Authorities said Eckley placed two radio-controlled explosive devices in the bathroom, which were discovered by an employee. After the discovery of the second device, the bomb squad made the devices safe and guests were free to return to the casino.

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“Eckley did everything he could to hide from law enforcement,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent Mark Brutnell. “But thanks to the exceptional work of this investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions.”

On September 25, the investigation revealed that Eckley was driving around the casino in his white Ford, which he bought under an alias and paid for in cash. On September 27, he was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Eckley is currently being held in the Hillsborough County Jail.

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The case is now being turned over to State Attorney Suzy Lopez. Officials said Eckley faces up to 30 years in Florida state prison.

This remains an active investigation.

The FDLE was joined by the Seminole Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office and the FBI Tampa Division at the Thursday morning news conference.

WFLA broadcast the conference live at 11 a.m., which can be viewed in the video player above.

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