Animal mask-wearing suspects arrested after burglary at the Bellagio in Las Vegas (VIDEOS, PHOTOS)
Police in Las Vegas have arrested three well-dressed suspects wearing animal masks, including a ‘pig’ in a suit, after a jewelry store at the iconic Bellagio luxury resort and casino was robbed.
The complex was put on lockdown in the early hours of Saturday morning after police received reports of a burglary and a possible ‘active shooter.’
Police later confirmed that no shots were fired but the storefront and display cases had been smashed with a sledge hammer.
Currently investigating burglary at @bellagio. Initial reports indicated there was an “active shooter” which was false. NO injuries.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) March 25, 2017
Crime scene at the bellagio tonight. Apparently no one harmed in robbery pic.twitter.com/95FzdpqV16
— Phil Strazzulla (@philstrazzulla) March 25, 2017
At least three suspects entered the premises wearing “dark, nice suits” or tuxedos and animal masks, Metro Lieutenant Carlos Hank told the Las Vegas Review Journal, adding that they cast off their outfits as they fled with items stolen from the high-end store.
“It is like a movie, it’s just crazy,” he said.
The Bellagio break-in occurred hours before a separate incident in which one person was killed and part of the Las Vegas Strip was shut down by police. One person was arrested over the fatal shooting.
READ MORE: Las Vegas shooting: Gunman surrenders after killing 1, barricading himself on bus
Eyewitnesses shared images of the bizarre burglary, from both inside and outside the Bellagio, on social media.
Literally just witnessed an armed robber in a pig mask at a Rolex store at the Bellagio & then his arrest #bellagio#vegas#rolex#robberypic.twitter.com/m53T6bHS2z
— K (@0pp1las) March 25, 2017
Out side the #Bellagio another crazy going down! pic.twitter.com/KSPUehAzQ9
— Scott ONeal (@CastleRock33) March 25, 2017
#BELLAGIO snipers now in place! pic.twitter.com/Kg8wgSGHTy
— Scott ONeal (@CastleRock33) March 25, 2017
Armed men in pig masks tried to rob the Bellagio today. pic.twitter.com/btiWSW8cEZ
— FactLady (@FactLady) March 25, 2017
A video from the incident shows the suspect in the pig mask standing guard outside the store before his animal mask-wearing accomplices join him and all three flee the premises.
Three suspects were later arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, according to KTLA 5.
Meanwhile, social media users were quick to see the humorous side of the unusual movie-like heist.
A suspect in the Bellagio armed robbery has been arrested: pic.twitter.com/Z61rL2VcnP
— Jared Montana (@Jarmadillos) March 25, 2017
Someone robbed the Bellagio Casino? pic.twitter.com/p2pIV4S3d4
— Ian (@Capricorn131987) March 25, 2017
Whoever robbed the #Bellagio you can bet it wasn't these guys. pic.twitter.com/wdpr536KKI
— Eric M. Sacco (@ems_nice06) March 25, 2017