Police have a suspect in custody after a shooting left two people wounded at a strip club in Longview in the early hours of Friday, November 30. At around 3 a.m. on Friday, officers were called to Jaguars Club on Estes Parkway in Longview on reports of shots fired.
One person suffered a gunshot wound which was considered non-life-threatening. An employee was also struck and dragged by a vehicle during the incident. Both victims were sent to the hospital for treatment.
According to a Gregg County official, the incident began when a man entered the club to tell people that he saw one vehicle strike another in the parking lot. Several individuals left the club to investigate, which started an altercation. Two vehicles were hit by bullets.
Officials in Gregg County say that a suspect is in custody for the shooting. No names of the victims or the suspect have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam represents crime victims in civil lawsuits. We've asked him to discuss club owner liability for shootings on their properties:
In the aftermath of a shooting at a bar or club, the criminal investigation comes first. However, in many of these cases, there is also a liability investigation to determine if the property owner was negligent in a way that enabled the shooting to occur. While the criminal investigation is handled by law enforcement and the criminal justice system, liability investigations are conducted by civil crime victim attorneys.
Property owners have a duty to keep their properties safe, and this includes protection against foreseeable violent crime. For example, a club owner could reduce the risk of violent crime by requiring guests to be searched for weapons before entering the club. When a property owner fails to meet this duty and a shooting occurs as a result of their negligence, the victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a shooting or stabbing at a bar or nightclub, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Consider speaking to one of our experienced crime victim attorneys to learn more about your family's legal options.