Fresno

California Casino Closed After Armed Standoff

A federal judge has closed a Central California casino after an armed standoff between tribal factions caused many gamblers to flee with chips left on the tables.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence O'Neill, acting on a request by the state attorney general, set no date for possible reopening of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, about 40 miles north of Fresno. The Fresno Bee reports that the National Indian Gaming Commission also ordered the casino closed.

A faction that was forced out of the casino to a nearby tribal business center in August returned Thursday night.

The gaming commission had said it would close the casino if the tribe failed to provide audits and other financial documents by Oct. 27.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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