A man allegedly robbed Tracy, California's Stars Casino on Friday morning before being apprehended by police using drone technology.

Joseph Just, 34, from Antioch, was charged with robbery following the incident. At approximately 5:45 a.m., Just allegedly entered the cardroom wearing black clothes and brandished a replica firearm, demanding cash from an employee. After receiving the money, he fled the scene.

Local police quickly responded, utilizing a drone equipped with thermal imaging to locate Just hiding in a nearby drainage ditch. Though initially resistant, he eventually surrendered to authorities. Officers recovered both the replica firearm and the stolen cash at the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident.

In other casino crime news, former Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe cage manager Alberto Jesus Caballero recently pleaded guilty to stealing $9,967 from the property in May 2021. Under a plea agreement, Caballero must pay $300 monthly in restitution and forfeit $1,500 in bail.

If Caballero completes the restitution, he can withdraw his felony guilty plea for a reduced misdemeanor charge. Failure to pay could result in 16 to 60 months imprisonment. He was arrested in Texas during a routine traffic stop when officers discovered the pending casino theft charge. The property is now operating as the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino.

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