One suspect is in custody and another remains on the run following a robbery that netted more than $1.2 million at the Isle of Capri Casino in Missouri earlier this week.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21-year-old Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles of Columbia was arrested in connection with the March 25 robbery. Authorities say Charles was an employee of the casino.
Investigators allege two individuals entered the casino around 2:13 p.m. dressed in black clothing with face coverings, hats and sunglasses. One suspect was armed with a rifle and the other with a handgun. The pair went directly to a bank area inside the casino and stole approximately $1,276,000.
As the suspects attempted to flee, a patron tackled the individual carrying the rifle, leading to a physical altercation. Authorities say the second suspect struck the patron multiple times, allowing both men to escape.
Following an investigation that included witness interviews and evidence collection, Charles was identified as a suspect. He was taken into custody March 26 while on duty at the casino and transported to the Cooper County Jail.
On March 27, the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Charles with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, armed criminal action and tampering with physical evidence. He is being held on a $1.3 million bond.
A second suspect, identified as 20-year-old Hollis C. Vanleer Jr. of Normal, Illinois, remains at large. Authorities describe him as 6 feet 1 inch tall and approximately 280 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous, and law enforcement advises the public not to approach him.
The case remains under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrols Division of Drug and Crime Control, with assistance from the Boonville Police Department, Cooper County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Troop F Headquarters at 573-751-1000.
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