$20 Tip Leads to Violent Assault at Seneca Niagara Casino, Theft of Wedding Ring

Niagara Falls Police responded to the Seneca Niagara Casino around 3am on September  21st after reports of a fight in the hotel valet driveway.

Upon arrival, officers observed numerous parties being held back by casino security but still loudly arguing and attempting to get near each other. Once all parties were separated officers attempted to speak with everyone and investigate the incident.

Officers spoke with the victim who stated that he had been on the gaming floor with two other individuals for a while but did not know them very well. He wanted to continue gaming but did not want to leave the floor so he asked one of the individuals to go cash in some chips for him. They did and returned to give him his money.

As a thank you, he gave them $20. This resulted in an argument because he thought he was entitled to more money for going and cashing the chips. Shortly thereafter, the victim was confronted by the male and a female in the hotel lobby leading to an argument.

The parties separated and the victim went outside to sit on the bench to wait for his vehicle. At this point, the male and female approached him in an aggressive manner from “somewhere down the sidewalk.” The victim told police he “knew” he was going to be attacked.

The female started punching him in the face. At some point during the altercation, the victim’s chain with his wedding ring on it was ripped off of his neck. A bystander went to attempt to pick up the necklace for the victim but the female got there first and put it in her pocket.

The female was identified as Jerrika Freeman.

Officers viewed surveillance footage that corroborated male #1’s account of what transpired.

Officers then spoke with Freeman who stated that she did not take the necklace. Freeman did allow officers to search her purse and they did not locate the necklace. While officers were waiting for surveillance to review the footage in an attempt to locate the missing jewelry, Freeman became irate and started shouting obscenities and became hostile towards the victim.

Due to Freeman’s escalating temper and increased agitation, officers attempted to detain her. As they were placing handcuffs on her, the gold chain and ring belonging to the victim fell from her hoodie. She was taken into custody at this time.

Freeman was trespassed from the property. She was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. She was charged with harassment 2nd and grand larceny 3rd.

No further information is available at this time.

$20 Tip Leads to Violent Assault at Seneca Niagara Casino, Theft of Wedding Ring