Hollywood Casino Robbery Was Hoax: Police

JOLIET, IL - A woman from Chicago was arrested on misdemeanor criminal charges by the Joliet Police Department after she made a false report claiming that a black man pulled out a gun and robbed her at the Hollywood Casino parking lot, reports show. Joliet Police say Sylvia Thompson, 30, has been charged with filing a false police report. Because it's a misdemeanor, she was released on a $1,500 I-bond.

Around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Joliet Police cars rushed to the Hollywood Drive at the casino for an armed robbery report.

"Upon arrival, officers met by Thompson who originally stated she was in the casino parking lot and a dark skin black male suddenly appeared behind her and brandished a black semi-automatic pistol from his waist band, and demanded her purse. Thompson stated she gave him her purse and he ran northbound through the parking lot," police reports state.

Joliet Police say the Chicago woman told them the robber got away with her purse containing cash, a credit card and other cards. However, the robber did not take her phone, she told police.

But the whole story was a hoax, Joliet Police found out.

"Officers were able to review surveillance footage from the area and determine that Thompson made up the story. Thompson was arrested for the above offense," police said.

File image via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor