Fredericksburg, VA- Raekwon M. Johnson Charged Following the Shooting at a Fredericksburg Bar

Police Believe A Dispute led to a Shooting Outside of Fredericksburg Bar Leaving One Injured

According to The Free-Lance Star, a shooting occurred outside a Fredericksburg bar on 700 Caroline Street after a dispute that happened in the early morning outside of Spirits on May 16, 2021.

According to the witness testimony of the victim and their friend, an interaction at Spirits occurred the morning of the shooting where the friend of the shooting victim claimed that a woman gave them "attitude," after they said excuse me at the door. The interaction escalated and led to the shooting victim calling the woman a vulgarity.

Later that afternoon, police responded to a shooting at a downtown Fredericksburg bar where 25-year-old Raekwon M. Johnson shot the victim in the shoulder during a fight when Johnson and others were leaving the bar. 

Reportedly, Johnson was on top of a man when the victim intervened and put Johnson in a headlock. The victim testified that while having Johnson in a headlock, they communicated that they didn't want to continue the fight. As the victim was walking away, Johnson shot a firearm twice, once with the victim's back turned and once when the victim turned around, leaving the victim wounded in the shoulder.

The shooting victim was immediately sent to Mary Washington Hospital, where they have since been released.

According to court records, police were able to identify Johnson through surveillance footage. 

Johnson was arrested in August 2021 and charged with using a firearm in the commission of a felony, malicious wounding, shooting in public, and reckless handling of a firearm.

Legal Options for Shooting Victims at a Bar

Attorney Kevin Biniazan is an experienced lawyer with years of trial experience. Biniazan offers bar shooting victims some insight into their legal options.

In an interview, Biniazan shared, "Gun violence is a serious crime in America, and unfortunately, many establishments do not implement proper safety measures to protect customers. If you or a loved one has been injured from a bar shooting, you have the right to pursue legal action. If you choose to pursue legal action, you could be awarded compensation through a court award or settlement which can help compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional suffering."

"Business Owners have a legal obligation to ensure a safe environment for all customers. Proper safety measures include security checks or surveillance cameras. If a business lacks appropriate safety precautions and a violent crime occurs on their property, the business owner can be held liable. If a bar shooting has impacted you or someone you love, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney to help you get the justice you deserve."

Sources: The Free-Lance Star