Washington State Poker Room Attacker Unprovoked

Earlier this month, we wrote about the poker room and casino crime that appears to be on the rise or, at the very least, more publicized.

Of course, crime is not relegated to poker and gambling establishments. In fact, there appears to be less crime at poker rooms than at casinos in general. But whether criminals are after the cash that poker players often carry or simply commit a violent crime in or around a poker room, players need to know that these crimes occur in order to better protect themselves.

Just this week, we can add another crime to the list of unfortunate incidents involving poker rooms, this one happening in Washington State.

Random Stabbing

The attack appeared to have come out of nowhere, apropos of nothing.

It happened at the Last Frontier Casino in the Seattle area. The main attraction of the place appears to be poker, as the room has been remodeled with 15 tables in action. It was a Monday night, and several tables were running in the poker room, with other casino customers playing table games.

In the poker room, just before midnight, a 41-year-old man named Scott Harmier was playing poker when he suddenly starting stabbing people at his table. He used a hunting knife and started with the man seated next to him at the poker table. The perpetrator stabbed that man five times in the upper body and head. And as employees and some customers tried to stop him and subdue him, he lashed out to stab a woman at the table. He also stabbed another man in the parking lot.

No one caught Harmier, though, as he made his way to a car and drove away.

The police, armed with a description of the man and his car, found him, but the man led the sheriff’s department officers on a high-speed chase. The police eventually used something called an “pursuit immobilization technique” to end the chase. They then arrested the Harmier.

Charged with four counts of first-degree assault and one count of trying to felony evading for running from the police, Harmier appeared in the Clark County Superior Court. He does show a past of assault convictions, domestic violence and drug possession charges.

Harmier is still in custody, held on a $1.5M bond. He will face an arraignment on December 28.

Last Frontier Actions

Three of the victims were treated and released from the hospital, but one remained days after the attack. That person is expected to survive.

The Last Frontier did issue a brief statement on its Facebook page.

“It is with great sadness that we share that on 12/12/2022, an unprovoked and surprise attack occurred at our casino involving our customers.

“The suspect in question is in custody with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sheriff’s Department is undertaking an active investigation in the matter. …

“Human Resources is available and researching counseling options for any staff members or guests that have been impacted by this event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended for all affected.”

Some comments on the Facebook post asked if there will be a new policy to do a check for weapons at the door. The casino has yet to change its policy or respond to said inquiries.

Unprovoked stabbing at a Washington poker room last night. Guy stabbed 4 and fled. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful kids. Crazy.

— Dave (@Omaha8Dave) December 14, 2022