Luck Ran Out for Suspected Casino Robber

By Tim Lemke and Jenni Pompi

Police dealt a losing hand to one south Bowie man, who is facing armed robbery and assault charges in Anne Arundel County stemming from two incidents at the Maryland Live! Casino. 

According to Anne Arundel County police, Bowie resident Paul Johann Morin, 32, approached a 71-year-old woman at the Maryland Live! Casino Sunday and tried to steal her purse as she entered an elevator. Morin allegedly pointed a knife at the woman and demanded her purse, which she did not relinquish. He then fled in an unknown direction. 

A second incident occurred at the same location, also on Sunday. Police say Morin pointed a knife at a second woman, who was sitting in her car in the Maryland Live! parking garage, and demanded money. The 35-year-old victim turned over and unknown amount of cash and personal belongings to Morin, according to the police report.

No one was inured in either incident. 

Police were able to identify Morin through witness accounts and surveillance footage, as well as assistance from casino security workers. 

Morin was charged with armed robbery, robbery, second degree assault and related charges, and was committed to the Anne Arundel County Detention Center.