Details Released Regarding Armed Robbery Attempt at Hollywood Casino

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 12:58 PM

The suspect is facing numerous charges.

Daniel Birdseye. Photo by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Further details have been released regarding an attempted armed robbery that took place at Hollywood Casino.

Daniel Birdseye, 39, of Cincinnati, was formally charged today with Kidnapping, Robbery Armed with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Confinement, Intimidation, and Battery on Public Safety Officials.

The incident started on March 2 around 7:30 p.m. with a report of an active shooter at the casino in Lawrenceburg. Although no shots were fired, Birdseye allegedly held multiple Hollywood Casino employees at gunpoint during the robbery attempt.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that earlier in the day, Birdseye was at the casino gambling. Upon re-entering the casino around 7:29 p.m., investigators say Birdseye walked to the main cage/bank area and pulled up a gaiter to cover his mouth and nose and began following an employee toward the bank area.

Once in the bank area, the employee was allegedly cornered by Birdseye. Investigators say he used a 9 mm handgun to demand money from the employee. Birdseye then jumped through the teller window, gaining entrance into the bank area, where an employee was attempting to shut the door.

Birdseye kicked the door open causing a cut to the employee’s arm. He then confined himself and the employee inside the bank area, once again demanding money, according to court documents. He continued to the cashiers in another section of the bank area, allegedly pointing a firearm and grabbing money from drawers.

One employee told investigators that Birdseye demanded he lead him out of the casino as a gun was being held to him. The employee took Birdseye through the first level of the casino to an exit, where the employee was let go.

Birdseye was eventually located in the Oxbow area near the casino and in possession of a loaded handgun and shoulder sling containing cash. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Upon being arrested, Birdseye waived his Miranda Rights and told law enforcement he committed the robbery, stating he was “desperate and in debt.”

“This was a very dangerous and potentially deadly situation,” said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. “Birdseye brandished and pointed the gun at several Hollywood employees and threatened to shoot at least one of them. He held a man at gunpoint in order to help in his attempted escape.”

Birdseye had his initial appearance in Dearborn County Court on Tuesday. His bond was set at $1 million surety and $100,000 cash.

A jury trial has been set for May 6.