HARRISBURG, PA — Two firearms remain unaccounted for after authorities alleged they were stolen from an unlocked vehicle at a Philadelphia casino, leading to felony charges against two men.
The Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force, Philadelphia Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police investigated the theft from a vehicle parked at Rivers Casino on North Delaware Avenue last month, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators allege surveillance video and other evidence showed Darnell Martin, 33, entering the unlocked vehicle and removing the firearms and other property while Eric Blackwell, 29, acted as a lookout.
Authorities further allege Martin regularly visited casino parking lots to search for unlocked vehicles. Investigators suspect him in approximately 20 thefts from vehicles at casinos in the Philadelphia area.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, investigators recovered stolen personal checks, credit and debit cards, clothing and other property from Martin. The two firearms have not been recovered.
Philadelphia police charged Martin and Blackwell with felony counts of theft, illegal possession of firearms and related offenses. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the cases.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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