Casino Queen security roughed up patron, suit claims

A man who claims he was roughed up by security staff is suing Casino Queen in East St. Louis for more than $50,000.

Carl Watkins filed his suit Oct. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Watkins says he was at Casino Queen on South Front Street in East St. Louis in October 2008 when he was attacked and beaten by another patron. Watkins claims that after the alleged altercation he was "inexplicably handcuffed and detained...jerked and otherwise treated roughly" by Casino Queen security staff.

Watkins says his shoulder was seriously injured by the Casino Queen employee. He contends the business had a responsibility to protect him from harm but failed to do so.

Watkins accuses Casino Queen of negligence and is asking to be paid more than $50,000 for his injuries, medical costs and lost wages.

Attorney Lanny Darr of Alton is representing Watkins.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-533