Florida man arrested after explosives found in casino toilet

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was arrested Oct. 30 and charged with two counts of making and placing destructive devices with intent to harm, (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office) — Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was arrested Oct. 30 and charged with two counts of making and placing destructive devices with intent to harm, (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly hiding two radio-controlled explosives in the toilets of a casino, Police said.

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampawas arrested Oct. 30 and charged with two counts of making and placing destructive devices with intent to harm, the Florida Department of Law enforcement said in one edition on Thursday.

“Eckley went to great lengths 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.”

The investigation began on September 30 in Tampa after the suspect allegedly hid the devices in two restrooms at a local casino.

Casino employees found the devices before they could cause damage.

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

An arrest warrant said the devices posed “a risk of serious bodily harm to anyone in the area” if detonated, the newspaper reported.

Investigators learned that a man was acting suspiciously at the casino a few days earlier. The man was seen driving a white Ford Explorer and after lengthy interviews, surveillance and analytical work, investigators were able to trace the vehicle back to Eckley.

Days before planting the explosives, Eckley was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in an unrelated case of aggravated assault with a firearm. Forensic analysts linked evidence from that case to the devices.

“This case is a shining example of how our local and state law enforcement agencies work together to keep our community safe. When you intentionally attempt to harm innocent people, you will be held accountable by my office,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez added. “I want to commend all 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. His pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for November 5.