Man Drives His Car Through Reno Casino; 22 Injured

RENO — Twenty-two people were injured, at least two seriously, when a man drove his car onto the Circus Circus casino floor late Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

Police said the car smashed through the hotel-casino’s valet parking entrance, crashed into a blackjack table and came to rest against a pillar about 70 feet inside the casino.

The driver of the maroon Cadillac was identified as Raymond Thompson, 58, of Newport, Ore.

“It appears that the incident is accidental in nature and no criminal intent or conduct is evident at this point,” police Sgt. Andy Kachurak said.

Kim Machi of Fort Worth, Tex., who stood within 10 feet of the car’s path, said the impact pushed the blackjack table into a nearby wall and the car took some blackjack players with it. She said some patrons were knocked to the ground and others jumped to get out of the car’s path.

“I thought it was a stunt it was so bizarre,” Machi said. “There was glass and debris flying all over the place. There was a lot of confusion and people looking for loved ones.”