A Missouri man is still in custody on a $1.3 million bond following a daring daytime robbery at the Isle of Capri Casino in Booneville, Missouri, which netted more than $1.2 million.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announced the arrest of 21-year-old Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, a casino employee. Charles was charged on Friday with first-degree robbery, assault, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence.
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According to investigators, two masked individuals entered the casino about 2:13 p.m. on March 25. The pair, dressed in dark and armed with a rifle and a handgun, skirted the gaming floor and proceeded straight to the bank section, seizing around $1,276,000.
The escape was briefly halted when a casino customer tackled the person holding the rifle. A physical altercation developed before the second suspect repeatedly attacked the patron, allowing both males to exit the premises.
State troopers from the patrol’s Gaming Division approached Charles when he was on duty at the casino on March 26, the day after the robbery. Charles was arrested and transferred to the Cooper County Jail after being interviewed by DDCC investigators.
Authorities have identified a second suspect as Hollis C. Vanleer Jr., 20, of Normal, Illinois. Vanleer is described as follows:
- Race: Black male
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch
- Weight: Approximately 280 pounds
Vanleer’s present whereabouts are unknown. Police have cautioned that he is armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Anyone with information should contact 911 or local law enforcement immediately.
