Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Site of Unwanted Fireworks Show, Man Arrested
Posted on: June 9, 2025, 10:48h.
Last updated on: June 9, 2025, 10:48h.
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh is back open following a brief closure
- A man who police detained for theft set off a firework in a casino bathroom
- The suspect has a lengthy rap sheet in Western Pennsylvania
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh is back open following a temporary shutdown of the gaming space after a man set off a commercial-grade firework inside a casino bathroom.
On Sunday, casino security responded to an alarm inside a closed restaurant. Upon arrival, the security officers found a man, later identified as Jeremy Allen Hartman, 47, of Pittsburgh, allegedly stealing bottles of liquor.
Law enforcement said Hartman had attempted to steal $4,000 in liquor from the unnamed restaurant. As Hartman was being escorted to a casino security holding area, he asked to use the bathroom. Security accommodated.
Moments later, officers say a loud explosion occurred within a bathroom stall. Security and responding officers with the Pennsylvania State Police rushed in to find that Hartman had set off a commercial-grade firework in a toilet bowl.
A casino employee who was in the bathroom at the time suffered minor injuries but was released after being attended to by first responders.
Charges Filed
Hartman was facing theft charges before his bathroom fireworks show. His actions significantly elevated the charges against him.
Hartman’s Criminal Docket shows numerous charges, including criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.
However, the firework resulted in much more serious felony charges, including two F1s for arson — endangering persons. He’s additionally facing F2s for theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property and an F3 for causing or risking catastrophe. Hartman additionally faces a misdemeanor two for recklessly endangering another person.
In Pennsylvania, a person found guilty of a first-degree arson felony charge faces up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
The Pittsburgh Police Bomb Squad and K-9 Unit executed a search warrant of Hartman’s vehicle after it was located in the casino’s parking garage. Additional commercial-grade fireworks were found in the vehicle, though no bombs were found. The bomb team additionally cleared the casino for explosives, and the gaming business soon returned to its normal operations.
Early Sunday morning, an individual who caused a disturbance and vandalized property at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh was apprehended by security and arrested by the police. We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they investigate the incident,” a casino spokesperson said of the incident.
Located along the Ohio River near the Kamin Science Center, PNC Park, and Acrisure Stadium, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh is managed by Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming. Rivers Pittsburgh has over 1,900 slot machines, 100 live dealer table games, a poker room, and a BetRivers Sportsbook. The on-site hotel, called The Landing, has 219 guestrooms.
Suspect Remains in Custody
According to Pennsylvania court records, Hartman remains in the Allegheny County Jail after not being able to post $25,000 bail. He’s due in court on June 17 for a preliminary hearing.
Hartman has a lengthy rap sheet in Bedford County. In August 2022, he was charged with counts of stalking, making terroristic threats, and prowling at night. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison.
Police detailed in their 2022 complaint that Hartman had stalked his ex-wife and children and made repeated threats to her life.
Last Comment ( 1 )
Kudos to the police for realizing that it was an explosive and not just someone with a bad stomach ache