Man Hid Explosive Devices In Hard Rock Casino Bathrooms: FDLE

TAMPA, FL — A man was arrested for hiding two radio-controlled explosive devices inside two bathrooms at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa at the end of September, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement news release.

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa was charged with two counts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing or discharging any destructive device.

The investigation began on Sept. 30 when employees found the devices “before they could do damage,” FDLE said.

After looking into several leads, investigators identified the suspect as an unknown male driving a white Ford Explorer.

Interviews, surveillance and analytical work led investigators to Eckley.

Days before planting the explosive devices, Eckley was arrested by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated assault with a firearm in an unrelated case. FDLE forensic analysts tied evidence from that case to the devices.

He was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.

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