The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has announced the arrest of a Columbia man following an investigation of the robbery that occurred at the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville on March 25th.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, two individuals entered the casino in Boonville dressed in black, wearing face masks, hats and sunglasses at 2:13 p.m. on March 25th. One suspect was armed with a rifle and the other with a handgun. The suspects went directly to the bank area and stole approximately $1,276,000. While fleeing the casino floor, a casino patron tackled the suspect carrying the rifle and a fight ensued. The second suspect struck the patron numerous times allowing the suspects to exit the property. During the investigation, 21-year-old Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, an employee of Isle of Capri Casino, was identified as a suspect and investigators developed probable cause to arrest him.
Investigators contacted Charles, advised him of his rights, and interviewed him. Charles was placed under arrest, transported to the Cooper County Jail, and placed on a 24-hour hold. The second suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Hollis C. Vanleer Jr., of Normal, Illinois. Vanleer’s current location is not known, and authorities consider him to be armed and dangerous. Vanleer is described as a black male, 6 feet 1 inches tall, and approximately 280 pounds. A photograph of Vanleer is attached with this story. Anyone who encounters Vanleer should immediately call 911 and not approach him.
Charles has been charged with felonies for robbery in the first degree, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence. Charles is currently in custody at the Cooper County Jail held on a $1,300,000 cash-only bond.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to the crime is encouraged to call Troop F Headquarters at 573-751-1000. The Boonville Police Department, the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation.