Big cash winner robbed outside Jake's 58 Casino, suspect arrested
Aaron Hayes, 24, had nothing to say to reporters following his arraignment
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Luck almost ran out for a man who won big at Jake's 58 over the weekend when another man robbed the cash from his pockets outside of the casino Sunday afternoon, Suffolk County police said.
The victim, 71, was walking to his car after winning a large cash payout when Aaron Hayes, 24, approached him in the parking lot at around 3:40 p.m. According to court documents, Hayes stole $30 from the victim “by ripping the pockets out of his jacket.”
In an attempt to get more money, Hayes allegedly tackled the victim to the ground.
Two good Samaritans outside the casino saw the altercation and intervened, forcing Hayes to run to his car, drive off and leave, according to officials.
Suffolk County police investigated the robbery and were able to track Hayes down to his home in Port Jefferson Station, where he was arrested at 11 p.m.
Police charged him with one count of third degree robbery.
Hayes had nothing to say to reporters following his arraignment in Central Islip Monday.
In a statement, Phil Boyle, president and CEO of Suffolk OTB and Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel said the following:
“The safety of our patrons is our highest priority at Jake’s 58 Casino. Our security team was pleased to assist the Suffolk County Police Department in making a very fast arrest in the case and we will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they further investigate the incident.”
An order of protection was issued on the victim's behalf.
