A nightclub patron says an East St. Louis bar failed to provide adequate security, causing her to suffer multiple gun shots to her leg.
Toya Miles filed a lawsuit March 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Club Illusion and J.C. Blackmon.
In her complaint, Miles alleges she was visiting Club Illusion on Oct. 20 when a person – identified only as a ‘criminal’ in the complaint -- shot her twice in her left leg.
“The criminal, who was armed, did not have to pass through a working metal detector on the premises,” the suit states. “The criminal was undeterred by the meager and inadequate security on the premises. At the time, the club was overcrowded and the defendant only had two security guards on its premises.”
Because of the incident, Miles suffered great pain, disability and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and suffered “unsightly” scarring on her left leg, the complaint says. She also claims she has not been able to engage in her usual activities.
Miles blames Club Illusion and its owner, Blackmon, for causing her injuries, saying they negligently failed to provide adequate security personnel, failed to have a working metal detector, failed to have a visible and operating video surveillance system and failed to contain a fight that had broken out between three patrons.
Miles is seeking compensatory damages of more than $100,000, plus costs. She is being represented by Eric M. Rhein of Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-223.