Masked men shot C-Mowe's customer, suit says

A St. Clair County nightclub is accused of failing to protect a man who says he was shot right outside the front door of the business.

Steven Harrison filed a lawsuit against C-Mowe's Inc. on Oct. 18 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Harrison says he met some friends at C-Mowe's on Oct. 16, 2009. After parking his car, Harrison says he walked toward the entrance
of the nightclub where he was approached by three men in masks.

Harrison say the masked men demanded his keys and then one of them fired a .22 caliber handgun at him, allegedly hitting Harrison on the side of the body.

Harrison says he has paid more than $62,000 in medical bills and has been unable to perform his usual activities since the shooting. He says he has suffered pain and mental anguish, disfigurement, disability and lost wages.

Harrison contends C-Mowe's is negligent for failing to provide proper security in and around their business. According to the complaint, the nightclub was "on notice that violent crimes had been committed in the area" prior to this incident.

Harrison also accuses C-Mowe's of violating the Dram Shop Act by allowing the men who later attacked him to become intoxicated at the establishment.

Harrison is asking for more than $100,000 in damages. He is represented by Michael P. Glisson, of Alton.

St. Clair County Case No. 10-L-547