China House and attacker sued over robbery

An East St. Louis man and his wife have filed suit against the alleged robber who they claim stole from the man and threatened him with a shotgun outside a Chinese restaurant.

Frankie L. Sanders and Rhonda Sanders claim Frankie L. Sanders was returning to his vehicle after eating at the China House on Feb. 12, 2010, when defendant Jeremy Stanley attacked him.

During the attack, Stanley attempted to rob Frankie L. Sanders, threatened him with a shotgun and beat him without provocation, according to the complaint filed July 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Because of the assault, Frankie L. Sanders sustained severe and permanent injuries to his face, head, legs and shoulder and suffered great pain, disability and mental anguish, the suit states. In addition, he incurred medical costs, lost wages, sustained an impaired earning capacity and lost his enjoyment of life, the complaint says.

Rhonda Sanders claims she lost her husband's services, society, companionship and sexual relations because of the attack.

The Sanders name Ha To Hunyh, owner of China House, as a defendant, saying he negligently failed to provide adequate security, failed to protect his customers against harm, failed to properly operate surveillance equipment, failed to warn customers that the restaurant had been the site of previous violent attacks and failed to warn customers that the China House was located in an area of high criminal activity.

In their four-count complaint, the Sanders are seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Troy E. Walton of Schoen, Walton, Telken and Foster in East St. Louis will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-420.