The incident that occurred outside a Federal Hill bar, involving a Loyola University of Maryland student being put in a chokehold by a security guard, has now led to a civil lawsuit filed by the victim. The suit, which was submitted last Thursday, names two security guards, including one Kevin Weaver—who has since been criminally charged with first-degree aggravated assault—the security company Ace Event Service Group, Cross Street Public House, where the incident took place, and the building's owner, Stalking Horse LLC, as defendants, as reported by FOX45 News.
The plaintiff, according to the lawsuit cited by FOX45 News, alleges that he "suffered a severe concussion and traumatic brain injury resulting from the Defendant slamming the Plaintiff's head through a car window.” The legal documents state that the victim was strangled to the point of turning purple, a disturbing detail supported by audible concerns from witnesses captured in the 34-second viral video, as pointed out by Thomas Snyder, an attorney for the plaintiff. As for the hearing, accused Kevin Weaver was denied bond by a judge, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 30.
Moreover, the lawsuit elaborated on the negligence claimed against the bar and the security company, stating that the guards lacked adequate training, supervision, and oversight. Cameron Barnes, the man in the chokehold, is reportedly being treated for medical and emotional trauma. WBAL-TV 11 News reported allegations that Ace Events and its employees "Have been witnessed (using) excessive force against patrons in the past at the same location in question and other locations in the area." Attorney Brandon Wolven criticized Cross Street Public House and Ace Events Services Group for their lack of accountability over the incident.
Cross Street Public House, meanwhile, sought to distance itself from the controversy by asserting that Weaver was not its employee but was under the employ of Ace Event Services Group, stating in a release, "The security guard was not employed by Public House. Security services for the evening in question were provided by Ace Event Services Group. We have since parted ways," the bar expressed in a statement sent to WBAL-TV 11 News. Additionally, the defense contended during an initial court appearance that Barnes initiated physical contact. Yet, the judge concluded that Weaver had violently escalated the altercation, thereby refusing bail. When approached for comment by WBAL-TV 11 News, Ace Events Services Group did not respond.
