Monessen club sued over March shooting

By RICH CHOLODOFSKY
TribLive

A private club in Monessen is being sued over claims that failed security led to a member’s injuries last month.

Amir Reid, address unknown, contends the Monessen Elks Oaky Lodge No. 697 knowingly served an intoxicated guest and failed to act when he brandished a firearm during a fight outside the Knox Avenue club.

Police said Jamont Anthony Minnie, 34, of Monessen fired at least one shot on March 20 that struck Reid in the arm.

According to the lawsuit filed in Westmoreland County Court, Reid suffered a shattered arm that required emergency surgery. She is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Police last month charged Minnie with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and other related offenses.

He was jailed on March 25 and, according to court records, was released the same day after posting $100,000 bail.

Minnie was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. He is scheduled to appear before District Judge Wayne Vlasic on May 16 for a preliminary hearing.

Reid claims the club was negligent in providing inadequate security and for allowing an armed man, who was not a member, on to the premises and continuing to serve him alcohol while he was visibly intoxicated.

Club representatives could not be reached for comment.

Monessen police said the shooting was captured on traffic cameras in the intersection. The injured woman told investigators she saw Minnie lift up his shirt during the fight and pull a handgun from his waistband.

She identified him from surveillance images from inside the bar, police said.