Bell Gardens casino evacuated after swatting call

The Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens was evacuated after someone called in a hoax threat. 

The Bell Gardens Police Department said the suspect called the casino, claiming they planted a bomb and were coming to the resort with a firearm. Officers said around 500 people were evacuated from the casino. 

Several people said they were just told to leave at about 5 p.m. before seeing armored vehicles and SWAT officers outside. 

Officers blocked the roadway leading to the hotel and casino, causing traffic to back up on the adjacent Florence and Eastern Avenues. 

After determining the threats were unfounded, officers said they learned other agencies in Los Angeles received similar swatting calls.