Armed Robbery At Stevensville Casino – Two Suspects At Large

Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman released details today regarding an Armed Robbery that occurred at Lucky Lil's Casino on Kootenia Creek Road in Stevensville.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. two adult white males entered the casino and held the casino employee and three customers at gun point.  The suspects then forced the casino attendant to remove money from the safe over a period of time, and also stole the money from the attendant's apron as well as the cash register.

The suspects left the casino on foot but it is known that they had a vehicle parked in the vicinity and escaped with a significant amount of cash, driving north on Hwy 93 in a mid-size, dark colored sedan.

Hoffman said he is thankful that no one was injured during the incident, and credited the victims for staying calm and using good judgment.

The first suspect is described as approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall, medium build, short cut hair, and armed with a semi-automatic handgun.  He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black bandana over his face, black pants, black rubber overshoes, and black gloves.

The second suspect is approximately 6 feet tall, light build, with short cut hair.  This suspect was dressed similarly, with a blue bandanna over his face.  The second suspect was armed with a semi-automatic handgun and a revolver.

Both suspects were wearing skin darkening make-up. The Sheriff hopes that if anyone observed them either applying or removing the make-up they will contact the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators are following up on several leads as to the identity of the robbery suspects, and the possibility that this incident may be related to recent similar crimes in other jurisdictions.

The Lucky Lil's Casino in Missoula was robbed in similar fashion twice in one week in early May.

Sheriff Hoffman encouraged anyone with information regarding this robbery to contact the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office at 406-363-3033, and reminded people that anonymous tips can be submitted through MT CrimeStoppers at 406-721-4444.  He asked that anyone that might have noticed any suspicious activity in Stevensville area recently provide that information to investigators.