A Tampa, Florida, man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly hiding radio-controlled explosive devices in casino restrooms, state law enforcement officials announced Thursday.
Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, was arrested October 30 and charged with two counts of making and placing destructive devices with intent to harm, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The arrest follows a month-long investigation into explosive devices discovered at what local media identified as Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino.
“Eckley did everything he could to hide from law enforcement,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “But thanks to the exceptional work of this investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions.”
The investigation began September 30 when casino employees discovered the devices in two restrooms before they could detonate. According to the arrest warrant cited by the Tampa Bay Times, the devices “posed a risk of serious bodily injury to anyone in the vicinity” had they exploded.
Investigators identified Eckley after reviewing surveillance footage showing a man behaving suspiciously at the casino days before the incident. The suspect was seen driving a white Ford Explorer, which authorities eventually traced back to Eckley through extensive interviews and analytical work.
The breakthrough in the case came after investigators connected evidence from an unrelated aggravated assault with a firearm case, for which Eckley had been previously arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, to the explosive devices.
“This case is a shining example of how our local and state law enforcement agencies work together to make our community safe,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “When you intentionally attempt to harm innocent people, you will be held accountable by my office.”
Eckley remains in Hillsborough County Jail awaiting a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for November 5. The investigation demonstrated the coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies in rapidly identifying and apprehending the suspect before any injuries occurred.
