Louisiana Casino Theft Leads to Suspect Crashing Car, Hospitalization

Posted on: April 19, 2021, 02:50h.

Last updated on: April 19, 2021, 11:30h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A 22-year-old man allegedly scooped up $1,300 from a cash register at a Duson, La. gaming property over the weekend. It was his third theft from the same casino. But this time, after fleeing, he crashed his car and wound up in a hospital, police said.

He is suspected of stealing from the casino twice before — Police stand by Triston Dupuis’ crashed car. The driver of the car allegedly previously stole $1,300 from a Louisiana casino. (Image: Duson Police Department)

The suspect, identified as Triston Dupuis of Opelousas, La. allegedly grabbed the cash around noon on Saturday when casino employees were interacting with other customers, KLFY, a local TV station, reported.

The incident was videotaped on casino surveillance cameras, KFLY said. Cops were looking at the video, and Dupuis returned to allegedly try to steal more money, police said.

A police officer spotted him and started to run after Dupuis. But the suspect reached his Nissan Versa and drove off. A short time later, Dupuis crashed the car into trees in Lafayette, police said. That is about 15 miles east of Duson. Officers had followed Dupuis in a high-speed chase.

After the crash, Dupuis was trapped in the Nissan. Lafayette firefighters extricated him.

Dupuis in Serious Condition

Dupuis was injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. But he was listed in serious condition over the weekend, police said.

Dupuis was to be charged with two counts of theft, police told KLFY. He will also be charged with single counts of theft, aggravated flight, resisting an officer, and possession of marijuana, KLFY added.

He will be booked on the charges after his release from the hospital, police said. The name of the casino was not identified in local news reports.