According to NJ.com, a shooting occurred outside a bar on Pulaski Street in Newark around 1:00 am on August 13, 2021. While police have not yet released the bar's name, footage from the scene shows police tape outside of The Deep Inn.
It has been reported that the shooting resulted from an escalated argument outside the bar. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office claims the customer confronted the off-duty officer outside the bar, and a conversation occurred, resulting in the customer shooting another patron at the bar. Reportedly, it was after the customer opened fired that the corrections officer shot the armed customer.
At some point amidst the incident, a third innocent bystander was also shot, and the four injured persons, including the off-duty corrections officer, were sent to University Hospital. All victims involved are being treated, but none are facing life-threatening injuries.
Attorney Guy D'Andrea is an experienced civil defense lawyer defending victims of violent crimes in New Jersey. Kent has defended bar shooting victims and offers some insight to any civilian questioning, can I sue for being shot at a bar?
"Business owners have a legal obligation to ensure a safe environment for all patrons surrounding their property. To ensure the safety of customers and patrons, businesses, including bars, should implement adequate safety regulations. Proper safety precautions would include security checks, cameras, and the employment of security guards. If a foreseeable crime occurs on a business owner's property, the owner can be liable for a patron's injuries. A foreseeable crime can be determined if crime rates have risen in the neighborhood."
"If crime rates have gone up in the neighborhood and a business owner has not implemented additional safety measures, they can be found negligent in the court of law. Negligence is determined in the case that a business owner's lack of providing a safe environment contributed to the victim's injuries. Victims of violent crimes along with their families should hire an experienced attorney to examine their legal options."
Sources: