Boy attacked at Skate City, mother claims in suit

A Cahokia woman says a skating rink did not provide adequate security to protect her minor son, who she claims was attacked while skating there.

Melissa Braxton, mother of Jimmie L. Bootchee, filed a lawsuit July 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Skate City in East St. Louis.

Braxton claims Bootchee was struck repeatedly in the face, without provocation, by male customers who were at the rink on Feb. 21.

Because of the attack, Bootchee sustained injuries to his nose, face, eyes, jaw and head, incurred medical costs and sustained great pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint. He also sustained disability and loss of a normal life, the suit states.

Skate City negligently failed to provide adequate security, failed to remove the male patrons from the establishment before they hit Bootchee and allowed the patrons to enter the establishment when it knew they presented a hazard to Bootchee, the complaint says.

In the two-count complaint, Braxton is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus reimbursement for Bootchee's medical expenses and court costs.

Steven A. Katzman of Katzman and Associates in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-356.