A massive law-enforcement response shut down a portion of Eastern Avenue and forced the evacuation of Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens Thursday afternoon.
At a Glance
- Dozens of officers and tactical vehicles surrounded the casino shortly after noon.
- Eastern Avenue was closed between Florence and Clara while police moved through the building.
- No details have been released on what prompted the operation.
- Why it matters: The street closure and evacuation snarled traffic and sent patrons onto sidewalks while the investigation continued.
Tactical Teams Swarm Bell Gardens Casino
Video from NewsChopper4 showed police cars and BearCat armored vehicles lined up outside the casino while uniformed officers escorted customers out. The Bell Gardens Police Department urged drivers and residents to avoid the area “until further notice” while the operation was under way.
According to News Of Los Angeles, the entire block of Eastern Avenue between Florence Avenue and Clara Street was sealed off in both directions shortly after the first patrol units arrived. Traffic that normally flows through the commercial corridor was diverted onto side streets, backing up vehicles for several blocks.
Limited Information Released
Ethan R. Coleman reported that officials have not disclosed what prompted the large-scale response. No arrests were announced, and no injuries were confirmed as of the latest update. The casino’s social-media channels remained silent, and phone calls to the property went unanswered.
Patrons who had been inside described a sudden order to leave. One woman told News Of Los Angeles staff that security guards instructed everyone to exit through the main doors without explaining why. “We just saw officers with rifles outside and knew something serious was happening,” she said.
Timeline of the Response
| Time (approx.) | Action |
|---|---|
| 12:15 p.m. | First patrol units arrive outside the casino. |
| 12:25 p.m. | Tactical vehicles positioned at entrances. |
| 12:30 p.m. | Eastern Avenue closures begin. |
| 12:40 p.m. | Evacuation of guests and staff starts. |
| 1:00 p.m. | News helicopter footage shows continued police presence. |
Street Closure Creates Gridlock
The closure of Eastern Avenue forced commuters to seek alternate routes. Bell Gardens police directed southbound traffic toward the 710 Freeway, while northbound vehicles were rerouted along Florence Avenue. City buses also had to be detoured, causing delays of up to 20 minutes, according to the local transit agency.
Businesses adjacent to the casino reported a drop in foot traffic. A convenience-store manager said sales “dropped by half” once the roadblock was in place. Delivery drivers were turned away, leaving some restaurants short on supplies for the dinner rush.
Casino Background
Parkwest Bicycle Casino, commonly known as “The Bike,” operates 24 hours a day and houses more than 150 gaming tables. The property attracts thousands of visitors daily, making it one of the largest card clubs in the region. Its location on Eastern Avenue places it at the center of a busy retail corridor lined with restaurants, auto-parts stores, and small markets.
The venue has seen previous police activity, including a 2022 robbery in which masked suspects stole cash from a cashier cage. Details on whether Thursday’s response was related to a similar incident have not been confirmed.
Public Safety Messaging
Bell Gardens police used loudspeakers and social media to keep residents informed. A brief statement posted shortly after 1 p.m. repeated the request to “stay away from the area” and promised updates “as they become available.” No shelter-in-place order was issued, and nearby schools continued normal operations.
What Happens Next
Investigators remained on scene through the afternoon, collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage. The casino will stay closed until city and state regulators approve a reopening plan. Employees have been told to await word from management about their next shifts.
Key Takeaways
- A large police presence descended on Parkwest Bicycle Casino without warning.
- Eastern Avenue remains off-limits while the investigation continues.
- No official explanation has been provided for the heavy response.
- The closure disrupts traffic and local commerce until further notice.
This is a developing story. News Of Los Angeles will update when authorities release new information.
