A Columbia man remains in custody on a $1.3 million bond following a brazen afternoon robbery at the Isle of Capri Casino that netted over $1.2 million, authorities said.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announced the arrest of 21-year old Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, an employee of the casino. Charles was charged Friday with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence.
According to investigators, two masked individuals entered the casino at approximately 2:13 p.m. on March 25. The pair, clad in black and armed with a rifle and a handgun, bypassed the gaming floor and went directly to the bank area, where they seized approximately $1,276,000.
The escape was briefly interrupted when a casino patron tackled the suspect carrying the rifle. A physical struggle ensued before the second suspect struck the patron multiple times, allowing both men to flee the property.
State troopers assigned to the Patrol’s Gaming Division contacted Charles while he was on duty at the casino on March 26, the day after the robbery. Following an interview with DDCC investigators, Charles was taken into custody and transported to the Cooper County Jail.
Authorities have identified a second suspect as 20-year old Hollis C. Vanleer Jr., of Normal, Illinois. Vanleer is described as:
- Race: Black male
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch
- Weight: Approximately 280 pounds
Vanleer’s current whereabouts are unknown. Police warned that he is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or local law enforcement immediately.
The investigation remains ongoing.