A man from Portland, Oregon, barely escaped with his life over the weekend. That’s after being stabbed 15 times by a robber who wanted his $2,000 in casino winnings.
The victim spent the evening of Saturday, August 17 playing slots at Montana’s Bar in southeast Portland. During his session, he spoke to a man who then allegedly followed him home and brutally assaulted him while demanding he hand over his winnings.
Police named Pablo Andres Figueroa, 61, as the main suspect, according to local news outlet KATU2.
He was arrested not far from the scene of the assault. The victim handed over some of the cash before playing dead to end the ordeal.
On Monday, Figueroa, who has a lengthy rap sheet, filed a “not guilty” plea in court. A judge ordered him held without bail until his next scheduled court appearance on August 27.
The Attack
The victim won $2,000 while playing at an Oregon lottery slot machinelike game at the Portland dive bar. He then left the bar to return home, which was in an apartment complex just a short walk away.
However, little did he know that a robber, who police suspect was Figueroa, was following him. The suspect slipped through a security gate, just behind the victim, before it automatically closed. Security footage then captured him dashing up the stairs to catch the victim as he entered his apartment.
The robber pushed the apartment door into the victim and then punched him in the face, demanding money. The victim handed over some cash, but the assailant wanted more. He then pulled out a pocket knife before slashing and stabbing the victim in the arms, chest, and face.
The victim played dead for a while, ending the assault. After police arrived, local residents suggested that the suspected assailant was still nearby.
Officers found Figueroa hiding in a garbage room at the apartment complex. He was found with blood on his clothes as well as $600 in cash, which prosecutors say were the proceeds of his violent crime.
The Consequences
Figueroa was charged with attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon.
He already has a lengthy rap sheet, including a scheduled court appearance in Oregon on Friday, August 16, the day before the stabbing of which he is now accused.
Those previous charges include violent and sexual offenses in Arkansas and California going back 20 years. Since 2020, he has been arrested and charged three times in Oregon alone, including allegations of identity and vehicle theft.
The victim is expected to recover, having suffered serious, but not life-altering, injuries.
This case is far from the only recent story of U.S. casino winners being followed home and robbed. Just last week, a couple in Florida hit a $3K win at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, then was shot three times outside their home in a botched robbery.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
