BELLEVILLE - A Marissa man is suing a motorist who allegedly rear-ended his vehicle while driving drunk and a bar where the defendant allegedly became intoxicated.
According to the complaint filed by plaintiff Kenneth R. McHughes in St. Clair County Circuit Court, defendant Elijah R. Ward was at Shooter's Bar and BBQ located at 113 East 1st Street in O'Fallon on Nov. 5, 2020. McHughes claims Ward became intoxicated and left the bar. The defendant allegedly operated his motor vehicle at a high rate of speed, failed to stop, lost control, and collided into the rear of the vehicle the plaintiff was driving.
As a result, McHughes claims he suffered injuries to his back and shoulder.
McHughes alleges employees at the bar gave or sold alcohol to Ward, causing him to become intoxicated.
McHughes seeks more than $50,000 against Ward and the "maximum allowable amount" under Illinois law against the bar. The plaintiff is represented by attorney Keith Short of Keith Short and Associates in Alton.
McHughes v. Elizah J. Ward et al, St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 22LAO509