Man robs 71-year-old casino winner, returns and attacks for more cash, NY cops say
A 71-year-old who won a large cash prize at a Long Island, New York, casino was robbed in the parking lot by a man who authorities said returned and attacked to steal more of his winnings.
Aaron Hayes, 24, first stole cash from the man’s pocket, then ran off at about 3:40 p.m. at Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia on Sept. 7, the Suffolk County Police Department said in a news release.
After police said Hayes “realized he had stolen only a small amount,” he went back to the man, knocked him over and began rifling through his coat, according to the news release.
Two bystanders stepped in and stopped Hayes as he searched the man’s pockets for more cash, according to authorities, who have credited the pair as good Samaritans.
Hayes was arrested outside his home in Port Jefferson Station, a hamlet in Brookhaven on Long Island, that evening, according to police.
Information on his legal representation was not immediately available.
Hayes is charged with third-degree robbery, police said.
He was due in court Sept. 8 for an arraignment, according to authorities.
Suffolk County detectives are asking the public for more information on the incident. Tips can be called in to the county police department’s Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.
This story was originally published September 8, 2025 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Man robs 71-year-old casino winner, returns and attacks for more cash, NY cops say."
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