Tulsa Casino Winner Robbery Leads To Two Arrests, Police Say
- mike33692
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Tulsa Casino Winner Robbery Leads To Two Arrests, Police Say
Two men are behind bars after Tulsa police say they orchestrated the armed robbery of a casino winner who was allegedly lured into an ambush by someone he considered a friend. The Tulsa casino winner robbery investigation resulted in two arrests, multiple firearms recovered, and allegations that the victim was specifically targeted after sharing news of his casino winnings.
Investigators say the victim lost cash, his cellphone, wallet, medication, and other personal belongings during the robbery. Police believe the crime was planned in advance and carried out with the help of two suspects.
Both men are now facing multiple felony complaints as the investigation continues.
Tulsa Casino Winner Robbery Began With Alleged Setup
According to the Tulsa Police Department, officers began investigating the Tulsa casino winner robbery on the evening of June 25.
The victim told investigators he had informed 21-year-old Dwayne Hastings, whom he described as a friend, that he had recently won money at a casino.
Police say Hastings invited the victim to meet him at the Maverik convenience store near East 41st Street and South Sheridan Road.
After arriving, investigators say Hastings told the victim he needed to briefly stop at a nearby apartment before walking away.
Moments later, a masked gunman allegedly approached the victim and robbed him at gunpoint, taking his cellphone, wallet, cash, medication, and other belongings before fleeing the scene.
The victim told investigators he never saw Hastings again after the robbery.
Information about the Tulsa Police Department is available through the Tulsa Police Department.
Investigators Arrest Two Suspects And Recover Firearms
Detectives later identified the masked robbery suspect as 33-year-old Mandell Kent after reviewing surveillance video that allegedly showed him in possession of the victim's cellphone.
Police arrested Kent on June 30. During questioning, investigators say he admitted that Hastings helped plan the robbery.
A subsequent search warrant at Kent's apartment led officers to recover two firearms. Investigators say Kent is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a previous felony conviction.
Approximately two hours later, members of the Tulsa Police Robbery Unit and the Mingo Valley Street Crimes Unit located Hastings at a residence in Broken Arrow.
Police say officers observed Hastings hand a bag to someone inside a vehicle before running back into the home.
The Broken Arrow Police Department stopped the vehicle and reportedly recovered three loaded handguns and ammunition.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence and say they found Hastings' cellphone, which had been smashed.
Court records can be reviewed through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN).
Multiple Felony Complaints Filed Against Both Men
The Tulsa casino winner robbery investigation resulted in multiple felony complaints against both suspects.
Mandell Kent was booked on complaints of:
Conjoint robbery
Possession of a firearm after former conviction of a felony
Dwayne Hastings was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on complaints of:
Conjoint robbery
Possession of a firearm after former conviction of a felony
Destroying evidence
Obstructing an officer
As with all criminal cases, the complaints are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police encourage anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Tulsa Police Department as the investigation remains active.
The Tulsa casino winner robbery serves as a reminder for casino patrons to remain cautious about sharing information regarding gambling winnings and to be aware of their surroundings after leaving gaming establishments.
Source: KOTV
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