Hollywood Casino Motorist Arrested, Accused Of Driving Into Girlfriend

Posted on: January 15, 2024, 03:12h. 

Last updated on: January 17, 2024, 04:45h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

West Virginia authorities this weekend arrested the man accused of running over his girlfriend at a Pennsylvania casino last year.

Hollywood Casino at the Meadows
Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, Pa. A man who allegedly drove his car into a pedestrian there was arrested. (Image: Visit Washington County)

The suspect, Christopher Michael Holt, 43, of Pennsylvania, was nabbed in North Strabane Township, W.Va., on Saturday morning after local police got a tip on his whereabouts, according to Pennsylvania TV station WPXI.

Holt was arrested for aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. He was placed in the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation custody. It’s not immediately known if he remained in custody as of Monday.

The incident unfolded on September 3 at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, Pa. The victim was identified as Hilary Whittaker, according to Pennsylvania TV station KDKA.

Domestic Argument

She and Holt got into a domestic argument while the two were in his car at the casino, causing her to exit and walk away.

Still apparently angry over the dispute, Holt reportedly stepped on the gas and steered the car toward Whittaker. He drove into a curb before crossing her. The force of the car pushed Whittaker’s body onto the car’s hood before she was thrown onto the pavement, KDKA reported.

There’s been no updated word on Whittaker’s injuries this week. Holt drove away from the casino after the incident.

Cops Release Description

Police had been searching for Holt since the incident. He was arrested after West Virginia authorities released his description last week and asked residents to notify 911 if they spotted him.

He was described as a bald man with brown eyes. He’s about 5 foot 10 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. Police watched surveillance video at the casino to identify Holt as the suspect in the case. He could be imprisoned for several years if he’s tried and convicted on the charges.

The Hollywood Casino at The Meadows is formerly The Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Penn National Gaming gained the operations of The Meadows in 2018 through the company’s acquisition of Pinnacle Entertainment.

Penn’s real estate investment trust, Gaming and Leisure Properties, purchased The Meadows’ physical assets in 2014.