Attempted Abduction At Wheeling Island Casino In West Virginia

Written By Marian Rosin on February 3, 2025Last Updated on February 14, 2025
Wheeling Island Casino sees attempted abduction in parking lot

On January 17, in the parking lot of Wheeling Island casino in West Virginia, two suspects were apprehended by the police. These individuals were accused of holding two people at gunpoint during an attempted abduction.

At approximately 6:45 p.m. that Tuesday evening, a couple’s car was broken into by two suspects, who have been identified as Duwan Malik Groover, aged 43, and Susan Irene Coryell, aged 37. The suspects reportedly brandished a firearm towards the woman and a male individual who were outside the car at the time. Thankfully, both victims managed to escape unharmed.

According to the Wheeling Police Department, the individuals suspected in the Wheeling Island Casino incident were also implicated in an assault on a different man and woman. This particular incident took place on 15th Street in East Wheeling, shortly after the previously mentioned casino incident.

According to the Wheeling News-Register, after receiving descriptions of the suspects and vehicle, the police successfully located them in the casino parking lot. Groover and Coryell were subsequently detained and charged as follows, prior to being booked into the Northern Regional Jail.

  • Groover is facing multiple charges, including two counts of robbery, two counts of first-degree sexual assault, and one count of attempted abduction. The bail has been set at $300,000.
  • Coryell is facing charges of two counts of being an accessory before the fact of robbery. The bail amount has been set at $50,000.

It is possible that both suspects live in Wheeling and there may be other charges awaiting them.

Protecting yourself from casino crime

Regrettably, casino crime is an unfortunate occurrence primarily centered around robberies and money laundering. Given that customers frequently bring cash into and occasionally out of casinos, criminals are well aware of this fact.

Both local and nationwide casinos, including those in West Virginia, are deeply concerned about ensuring the safety of their customers and protecting their own interests. Any criminal activities occurring within their premises can have severe repercussions, leading to potential damage to their reputation and economic prospects. Such incidents often make headlines and become topics of discussion among the casino’s patrons.

In order to address casino-related crime, the majority of casinos have implemented operational security measures. It is common to find security cameras positioned throughout the property, providing comprehensive surveillance. Additionally, on-site security guards are deployed to maintain a vigilant watch. In the event that potential criminals become aware of these stringent security measures, they may opt to target a different casino that possesses less strict security protocols.

As stated by www.hg.org, theft ranks as the most frequent crime committed within a casino premises. The majority of theft incidents involve the theft of wallets or monetary vouchers, with additional items like purses or leather coats also being targeted by thieves.

To ensure safety, both inside and outside a casino, patrons are advised to maintain situational awareness. Professorslots.com provides the following casino safety tips:

  • Please consider opting for a check as your method of receiving winnings, if feasible, instead of cash.
  • Please request the assistance of a slot attendant by using the service button.
  • It is advisable not to go alone. Ask for a security escort to accompany you to your car, particularly if you have winnings with you.
  • Support your friend. Accompany them to a casino and ensure their safety. Slot players are particularly at risk, as they often play alone and face forward. Take turns keeping an eye out for each other.

People are strongly advised by gamblingteachers.com to avoid placing their wallet in their back pocket. Instead, it is recommended to securely wrap a purse around the shoulder or place it on the lap while keeping it covered by the arm, or alternatively, to hold it in their hands.

It is important for customers to stay vigilant while driving home from a casino, as there have been instances where winners have been followed and confronted, either being forced off the road or robbed upon reaching their destination.