A man was apprehended on May 3 after police say a fight led in a shooting at a local bar.
Brian D. Johnson, 27, was detained at Klarissa’s Bar on North Bypass Road after cops claim he got into a confrontation with another individual and then “allegedly produced a firearm and discharged multiple rounds, striking the victim and putting others in the immediate area in danger.”
According to a news statement from the Pikeville Police Department, officers arrived at the site just after 2:30 a.m. to discover that a male had been shot in the upper leg.
“Officers found numerous expended shot casings at the scene, as well as the pistol and magazine thought to have been used in the crime. During the inquiry, an extra extended magazine with ammo was discovered, according to a PPD news release.
Johnson was arrested and taken to the Pike County Detention Center, where he is being held on multiple charges, including attempted murder, first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree assault (discharge of a firearm), and prohibited possession of a loaded gun in an area where alcoholic beverages are sold.
A statement was issued on the bar’s Facebook page Sunday, stating that the restaurant will now take extra safeguards at the door.
“From this point forward there will not be anything remotely resembling a weapon allowed on our premises,” the post said. “We will also take steps to guarantee that any altercation is resolved immediately. If you are involved in any form of verbal or physical altercation, you will be asked to leave immediately and not return for the rest of the night.”
The statement further stated that chronic violators will be asked to leave the establishment permanently.
“Please be respectful and responsible when visiting our establishment,” the message said.
Klarissa Newcomb, the bar’s owner, told WYMT that she saw the incident unfold live on her security camera, and it appeared to be swift and unexpected.
“Although I was not present at the time of the incident, I was viewing the camera live when it happened,” they replied. “It was a fast and unavoidable interaction. The shooter kept the firearm concealed. There was a quick scuffle, followed by three gunfire.
According to Newcomb, a patron who is also a local EMT swiftly administered a tourniquet on the victim, and Pikeville Police Department was immediately contacted.
“We had security there, but the incident happened so rapidly that he couldn’t act safely. “Law enforcement apprehended the shooter immediately,” she stated.
She stated that there had been no occurrences of this scale in the pub since it started six years ago, but she is planning to make changes to ensure that it does not happen again.
“It is definitely an isolated incident, but to ensure safety for our patrons from this point forward each person will have to agree to a security check at the fence, with metal detectors,” Newcomb stated. “And they will have to agree to have their belongings searched for weapons.” I believe that this will help to ensure the safety and security of our customers. “That is our first priority.
Police said the incident is still being investigated. If you have any other information, images, or video relating to this event, please report it to the PPD tip line here.
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