Bar patron sues owner for punch in the face

A patron of Good Tymes Saloon in Dupo claims the bar's owner Michael L. Simmons punched her in the face without provocation early in the morning on Oct. 8, 2005.

According to a lawsuit filed April 11 in St. Clair County, Christina Johnston claims she suffered severe and permanent injuries to her jaw, nose, face, head and other portions of her body when Simmons struck her with a closed fist.

Johnston, represented by Kevin T. Hoerner of Becker, Paulson, Hoerner & Thompson of Belleville, is seeking in excess of $150,000 on counts of negligence and battery.

She claims she was struck after lawfully entering the retail drinking establishment at approximately 1:30 a.m.

"...Defendant, acting by and through its agents and employees, had a duty to exercise the highest degree of care for those persons on the premises as customers," the complaint states.

In part, Johnston claims Simmmons failed to provide medical assistance following the attack.

She also claims Simmons "encouraged a policy of the use of excessive force in dealing with patrons lawfully on said premises."

The bar is located at 200 N. Main St.