Securitas Security denies negligence in Metro Link attack suit

A security services company hired to protect the Jackie Joyner Kersee Metro Link station in East St. Louis is denying liability in a lawsuit filed by a rider who claims he was attacked while attempting to exit a train.

Securitas Security Services says that injuries sustained by plaintiff James E. Mosley were caused by the criminal acts of unknown third parties and not its alleged negligence.

Mosley initially sued Bi-State Development Agency, doing business as Metro, over an assault he said took place on July 4, 2012. The attack caused him to suffer external and internal injuries, mental anguish and medical costs, his suit says.

He added Securitas as a defendant alleging it was negligent in failing to provide adequate security.

Bi-State, represented by Terese Drew and Yvette Boutaugh of Hinshaw & Culbertson in St. Louis, has moved for leave to file a cross claim against Securitas. The motion was set to be heard Aug. 27 in Circuit Judge Andrew Gleeson's court.

Bi-State also has argued that Mosley’s injuries were caused by a third party or were directly caused by his own fault, barring him from recovery from Metro.

Securitas is represented by Matthew Champlin of HeplerBroom in Edwardsville.

Mosely is represented by David H. Bone of David H. Bone LLC in Belleville. He seeks in excess of $50,000 in damages.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 12-L-449