CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County man is suing a St. Petersburg nightclub, alleging negligence resulted in him being shot.
John Spells filed a complaint on Dec. 29, in the Pinellas Circuit Court against 1207 MLK Liquors doing business as Hollywood Nites South, McBride Family Trust et al., alleging they failed to maintain its premises in a safe condition.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 4, 2014, Spells was walking back to his vehicle from Hollywood Nites South, 1207 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive S., St. Petersburg. The suit says a dispute broke out in the club and Spells was shot by an unknown third party. As a result of the defendants' negligence, Spells sustained severe physical injuries, mental pain and suffering, psychological injuries, scarring, disability, disfigurement and the loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to warn, protect, guard, and secure Spells' safety and failed to take additional security measures despite being aware of prior violent acts.
Spells seeks trial by jury, judgment in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest, court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by attorney Michael C. Bird of Morgan & Morgan Tampa PA in Tampa.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 18-CA-27