FBI Asks For Your Help In Wild Horse Pass Casino Stabbing Case

Written By Marian Rosin on August 17, 2022 - Last Updated on January 30, 2023
FBI looking for suspect in Wild Horse Pass Casino case

The FBI in Phoenix Field as well as the Gila River Police Department are requesting help from anyone who has information about a stabbing that happened at Wild Horse Pass Casino near Ahwatukee on the evening of Jul. 30, a Saturday.

Around 7:30 p.m. that evening, an unidentified man repeatedly stabbed a 31-year-old woman in the parking lot of the casino. The victim, who lives in Phoenix, was recovering in a hospital in the Phoenix area, according to an FBI press release.

TV station KNXV provided some information about the condition of the pickup truck at the time the suspect fled:

  • White crew cab pickup (without license plates at the time)
  • A light tint on the front window
  • Heavily tinted back window
  • Damaged right rear quarter panel
  • No tailgate
  • Grille guard

The victim had just parked her car in the casino lot and left the vehicle. The suspect seemed to be “hanging out” and waiting in the parking lot before the attack.

If you have any knowledge of this attack, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can also email tips and other info to tips.fbi.gov.

PlayAZ wants you to stay safe while gambling at Arizona casinos so read on for tips on what you can do to increase your safety.

Second crime at Wild Horse Pass Casino

Unfortunately, the casino was the scene of another crime last year. It was believed to be a domestic dispute, involving an ex-girlfriend, her ex-boyfriend, and a man she was now allegedly dating.

According to AZfamily.com, 37-year-old Jonathan Lorenz of Queen Creek, Arizona allegedly hid in a pickup truck bed and subsequently allegedly shot Philip Bachelder, 52.

Bachelder died. Lorenzo allegedly also shot at his ex, who was able to outrun him. After an exchange of gunfire, arriving police tasered Lorenz, and then subdued and arrested him.

Tips on how to stay safe from casino crime

Casinos have a vested interest in player safety. Crime on the premises can result in news stories or player gossip. And that can lead to reputation and economic damage for casinos.

Most casinos have operational security. That includes security cameras with multiple views all over the property, including parking lot cameras.

Recently a 71-year-old Iowa woman was robbed of her night’s casino winnings in the car, but the suspects were caught thanks to casino and parking lot footage.

And cameras did pick up footage of the white truck involved in the recent Wild Horse Pass attack.

Still, patrons themselves should try to have “situational awareness.” This is especially important because customers often carry money into and later out of the casino.

Professorslots.com offers some casino safety tips:

  1. Request security to escort you to your car, especially if you have winnings with you. Use the service button to request a slot attendant to arrange this.
  2. If it’s possible to do so, request your winnings in a check instead of cash.
  3. Go with a friend to the casino. Because they play alone facing forward, slot players are particularly vulnerable. Friends can trade off watching each other’s backs at the slots.

Wild Horse Pass Casino plans to expand the property

Owned by Gila River Resort and Casinos and south of Phoenix, Wild Horse Pass will be expanding over the next decade.

The revamped property is set to include:

  • A new outdoor sports stadium seating 10,000 (currently open)
  • New hotels
  • Recreation areas
  • New dining options
  • Entertainment venues
  • Retail shops

Gila River Resorts and Casinos has ties to the Gila River Indian tribe.

The company plans to add a fourth property, Santan Mountain Casino, to its roster next year. It also owns Vee Quiva Casino in Laveen and Lone Butte in Chandler.

The plans for Santan Mountain Casino come on the heels of a reinstated and newly amended 10-year state gaming compact with Arizona’s Native American tribes.

The 160-acre, $150 million Santan Mountain will include:

  • High limit gaming salon
  • BetMGM sportsbook
  • Casino floor bar with entertainment
  • Restaurants

The May 2021 gaming compact allows for up to 11 additional tribal casino properties and permits the following:

  • Additional slot machines — up to 1,400 gaming machines max
  • Sports betting and fantasy sports
  • Baccarat and Craps
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Marian Rosin

Marian Rosin is a freelance writer who has been published in Upnest and Psychology Today. Rosin brings experience in the gambling sector as the senior copywriter for Isle of Capri casinos.

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