71-Year-Old Man Attacked Outside Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia, NY

Big Win Turned Into a Harrowing Experience

A 71-year-old man had a fortunate day at Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia, New York, hitting a significant jackpot on Saturday, September 6. Excited to celebrate his winnings, the man prepared to leave the casino when an unexpected and violent encounter occurred.

Assailant Returns for a Second Attack

A 24-year-old man named Aaron Hayes from Port Jefferson Station confronted the winner in the casino parking lot. Hayes assaulted the elderly man and stole approximately $30. However, dissatisfied with the small amount, Hayes came back shortly after and attacked the man again, knocking him to the ground.

Bystanders Intervene and Police Respond Promptly

Fortunately, several bystanders witnessed the second attack and were able to stop Hayes from further harming the victim. The assault happened around 3:40 pm in broad daylight, prompting immediate calls to the authorities.

The Suffolk County Police Department quickly gathered evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage, leading to the swift arrest of Hayes.

Concerns Over Winner Safety Outside Casinos

The police have not disclosed the exact jackpot amount that set off this unfortunate event. Unfortunately, this case is not isolated; there have been multiple reports of casino winners being assaulted either near casino premises or later in other locations, including their own homes.

For instance, another casino patron was robbed of $38,000 by a group of three men while returning from Treasure Island Resort & Casino. These incidents have led some victims to criticize casinos for not maintaining adequate security measures to protect their patrons.

In 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Parx Casino in Pennsylvania by a law firm representing an assaulted and robbed visitor, highlighting a growing concern with safety in and around gambling establishments nationwide.