A harrowing incident
A man has been arrested after he stabbed four people at a casino in Washington state. The incident took place on Monday night at the Las Frontier and New Phoenix casinos. The two poker and table game facilities share a building in the town of La Center.
suddenly embarked on the frenzied attack
According to reports, a man was sitting at a poker table when he suddenly embarked on the frenzied attack. He slashed or stabbed four people before fleeing the crime scene. Police eventually apprehended the attacker following a high-speed car chase.
The suspect was identified as Scott Harmier by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. The 41-year-old Washington resident is now facing four counts of felony assault with a court hearing due to take place on Wednesday morning.
Seemingly unprovoked
As reported by The Oregonian, footage from the casino shows the attacker in a seated position at a poker table when he suddenly reaches down to grab an item. He proceeds to get out of his chair before initially stabbing the male beside him five times in the chest and head.
As others attempted to intervene, the attacker started swinging his hunting knife. This led to a female at the table receiving a stab wound, while another man received injuries after he chased the attacker into the parking lot. It is still unclear as to what happened to the fourth stabbing victim. Each of the victims received hospital treatment, with three of them released shortly after.
Aftermath of the incident
Numerous people called 911 shortly before midnight on Monday after the stabbings took place. Staff and patrons at the property also tried to confront the man before he managed to escape in his car.
speeds in excess of 100mph
Deputies quickly located the car and set off in pursuit. In the dramatic conclusion to the chase, which saw speeds in excess of 100mph, authorities eventually managed to stop the attacker’s car using an “immobilization technique.”
The casino posted a statement on Facebook following the incident. It outlined how the casino’s human resources team was looking into counseling options for guests and staff following the unprovoked attack. The statement said: “Our thoughts and prayers are extended for all affected.”