Up to 15 Years in Prison for Man Who Shot Casino Security Guard

Jurors in Kern County have convicted R.C., the man who fired a gun at a Golden West Casino security guard in 2023, on multiple charges.

The verdict was announced Monday by the District Attorney of the gambling-approved region that approved Tejon’s operations at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in 2022. 

R.C. could be looking at up to 15 years in prison.

The jury found him guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter, as well as other charges, including assault with a firearm, attempted criminal threat, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. 

The man was also found guilty of unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle. 

The Intoxicated Man Refused to Leave the Casino

According to court records, R.C. had spent the evening gambling and consuming alcohol at the casino in southeast Bakersfield. 

At around 2 a.m., security asked him to leave the premises because of his disturbing behavior. 

However, he refused to comply with the request, which prompted security to attempt to escort him out. This quickly escalated into a physical fight. 

Prosecutors say R.C. became increasingly agitated and repeatedly threatened the life of one of the security guards.

After he was taken out of the casino, the man walked to his car in the parking lot. 

Instead of driving away, he crossed a curb and returned to the entrance, where security guards and patrons were still gathered. 

As he slowed down near the group, he rolled down the passenger-side window and aimed a loaded handgun at the same security guard he had threatened just moments before.

The man then proceeded to fire several shots. In response, the security guard, fearing for his life, pulled out his own firearm and returned fire, striking R.C. once. 

The wounded suspect was sped away from the scene.

“Committed to Pursuing Justice”

Kern County’s District Attorney, Cynthia Zimmer, commented on the incident that “unfolded in a matter of seconds,” was “fueled by alcohol,” and left “several shaken.” 

Zimmer called the motive behind the violent act “serious” and something that “will not be taken lightly.”

“Our office is committed to pursuing justice until sentencing is fully carried out,” she further stated. 

Along with the other charges, the jury determined that R.C. personally used a firearm in the commission of both the attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm offenses.

He will receive his sentencing on April 15. 

Earlier this week, we reported on the shooting incident caused by an alleged altercation between two men that led to the death of a 35-year-old man at Reno-Sparks’ Nugget Casino.