Robber holds up cashier at Seminole Hard Rock Casino

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Casino police at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa are looking for a man who held up the poker room early Friday.

At around 2 a.m., police say a man pointed a gun at a cashier and demanded money.

Police don't know how much money the man got away with, but he headed south on Orient Road after the incident.

Casino officials say this is the first time they have been victim to an armed robbery in 14 years of operation.

"I was just blown away because there is too much security and too many police officers for him to just, wow," said casino customer Nia Williams.

The suspect was caught in several places by surveillance cameras.

"I have been going to the casino for years and have never seen anybody rob it," said customer Damon Bellamy. "I never felt scared or anything in there."

Casino police say the suspect is about 5'4", 140 lbs., and was wearing a black and grey sweatshirt. They say that shirt could be the key to finding their man. Police also hope a $3,000 reward will entice someone to come forward with information.

Casino officials say the robbery happened so quickly and quietly, not even everyone in the poker room realized what happened.

After the robbery, the casino remained open. Casino spokespeople would not say if tips are coming in, now that the suspect has been shown so clearly.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.