Police arrest pair in separate stabbing threats at Sands casino
BETHLEHEM, Pa. April 4 2018 – Authorities in Northampton County arrested two men in separate incidents in four days at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in which they each threatened to stab someone.
Pennsylvania State Police arrested Guo Zhang Chen early Friday morning after the 54-year-old allegedly chased the victim with a knife inside the casino.
Bethlehem police, meanwhile, charged 70-year-old Guobang Chen after he allegedly threatened the victim early Monday morning at the casino bus terminal and tried to hide the knife in a garbage can.
Casino security notified state police shortly after 5 a.m. Friday that a man later identified as Chen, no known address, had an argument with the victim, threatening to stab him outside the casino should he see him, according to court records.
The victim told authorities that Chen asked to borrow money but was denied because of an outstanding loan. Chen became “enraged” and the argument began to “heat up,” according to court records. That’s when Chen allegedly pulled out a pocket knife and began chasing the victim, according to records.
Police said video surveillance shows the argument beginning after the victim shoved Chen on the casino floor. The two can be seen on video interacting until Chen turns toward the victim and chases him at an exit and chases him back into the casino, according to records.
Authorities charged Chen with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment. District Judge Alan Mege arraigned Chen later Friday morning, setting bail at $50,000. He failed to post bail and was sent to Northampton County Prison to await a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 13.
Shortly before 1:30 a.m. Monday, Sands security separated Guobang Chen, of Brooklyn, and the victim at the bus terminal entrance following an earlier argument at a casino table, according to court records.
Guobang Chen allegedly cursed at the victim, followed him outside and continued arguing. Authorities allege he then pulled a knife and threatened to kill the other man.
Security footage allegedly revealed Guobang Chen pointing a folding knife at the victim before wrapping in newspaper and putting in a garbage can.
Bethlehem police charged Guobang Chen with terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct. An arrest warrant has been issued for Guobang Chen, who was taken to St. Luke’s University Hospital for medical treatment.
