Poker Writer
On Tuesday, authorities in Kent, Wash., arrested a man believed to have robbed several casinos in the area.
The investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies concluded with the apprehension of a Washington man, Edgar Gonzalez-Barragan. Authorities say he robbed Little Creek Casino in Kamilche in the Western part of the state. They suspect that he is connected to other, earlier robberies as well, including Silver Reef Casino on Aug. 3.
On Aug. 9, just before noon, Gonzalez-Barragan, 32, allegedly walked into the Little Creek Casino supervisor station, pulled out a handgun, and demanded cash. He reportedly fled after being told there was no money at the station.
The search for the suspect described him as Hispanic in his late 20s to early 30s.
Robberies Targeted Tribal Casinos But Not Poker Rooms
Gonzalez-Barragan may have targeted tribal casinos. Both casinos he allegedly robbed are among the 29 tribal properties in the Evergreen State.
The tribal casinos in Washington seldom have poker rooms. Many have closed in recent years, according to posters on Reddit poker. The closings may stem largely from a state law that limits the amount of money for bets and the number of bets allowed on each street.
Local poker players will note that Little Creek Casino is less than an hour away from Aces Poker Lakewood in Tacoma, one of the largest poker rooms in the state.
Four prominent Washington casinos were recently forced to close their doors after Maverick Gaming filed for bankruptcy.
Fire Departments Also Robbed
Gonzalez-Barragan allegedly targeted fire departments as well as casinos. Authorities suspect he stole emergency equipment from a Centralia Fire Department vehicle and took Jaws of Life rescue tools from the Riverside Fire Authority.
The Centralia Police Department booked him for first-degree theft. The Jaws of Life are still missing. Authorities plan to serve search warrants to try and recover them for the fire department.
One commenter on the Komo News page questioned the robber’s logic and mental acuity:
This guy is brilliant.. First he tries to rob an empty casino then steals The Jaws of Life … Where are you going to sell that without getting caught?
