Harvey, Illinois - 1 Dead, 3 Wounded in Shooting at Boogie Nights Nightclub

Son of Police Officer Killed in Harvey Nightclub Shooting

A Harvey police officer’s son was killed and three other people were injured when gunfire erupted at the Boogie Nights nightclub in Harvey, Illinois early Wednesday morning.

According to Harvey Police Chief Greg Thomas, the shooting began inside of the nightclub at around 2:10 a.m. Three people, including two security guards, were wounded inside of the club. The violence then moved outside, where a fourth person was shot and killed. That fourth victim is the 25-year-old son of a Harvey police officer, but his name has not been released.

The three other victims were hospitalized at MetroSouth Medical Center and Ingalls Memorial Hospital. Two were released Wednesday morning, while the third’s condition is listed as stable.

Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the Harvey Police Department, the Dixmoor Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Posen Fire Department. These agencies are also being assisted by the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force.

Looking for more information on nightclub shooting lawsuits? Continue reading for attorney commentary about business liabilities.

Are Club Owners Liable For Shootings On Their Properties?

Attorney Brian Kent represents crime victims and their families in cases where the crime could have been prevented by better security. We’ve asked him to discuss club owner liability for shootings and the legal rights of victims and their families:

The owners of bars, nightclubs, and other businesses have a legal duty to keep their customers, employees, and other visitors to their properties safe. Providing adequate security is a major part of this responsibility. But sometimes, violence like shootings and stabbings happen at bars and nightclubs because of inadequate or negligent security.

Not all shootings are the result of negligent security. But in some cases, shootings may be considered reasonably foreseeable and attributed to a lack of security. For example, if a nightclub had a prior history of violence but no security improvements were made (such as hiring security guards), the property owner may be considered negligent and held liable for damages if the victims and their families file a lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has recently become the victim of a nightclub shooting, we understand how difficult this time is for your family. Our crime victim attorneys want to help you find justice. If you’d like to learn more about your family’s legal options, consider contacting us for a free consultation.