News Summary
Cameron Barnes, a Loyola University student, has sued security personnel and a local restaurant after a viral incident where he was placed in a chokehold by a bouncer. The confrontation occurred outside the Cross Street Public House, resulting in Barnes sustaining severe injuries. His lawsuit alleges negligence against the restaurant and the security company, highlighting the need for accountability in managing security at venues. As legal proceedings unfold, attention is drawn to the practices ensuring patron safety in local establishments.
Baltimore – A Loyola University student, Cameron Barnes, has initiated a lawsuit against two security guards, a security company, and a local restaurant following a viral incident in which he was placed in a chokehold by a bouncer. The legal action was taken after a confrontation on East Cross Street outside the Cross Street Public House, with footage of the incident gaining significant online attention.
The confrontation arose from an argument outside the restaurant, which led to the altercation captured on video. In the aftermath, Baltimore Police launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of 41-year-old Kevin Weaver, who subsequently turned himself in to authorities several days later. Weaver faces charges of aggravated assault connected to the incident.
According to statements from Cross Street Public House, Weaver was not employed there at the time of the incident. The restaurant had previously utilized the services of Ace Event Services Group for security, but it has since severed ties with the company following the events that transpired. Barnes’s attorney, Brandon Woven, confirmed that the lawsuit was officially filed on October 9, 2025, encompassing claims of severe injury and negligence against both the security company and the restaurant.
The lawsuit asserts that Barnes sustained a severe concussion and traumatic brain injury after his head was forcefully pushed into a car window during the encounter with Weaver. Further allegations specify that Barnes is enduring ongoing physical and emotional trauma as a consequence of the incident. The lawsuit has also named a second unidentified security guard who was present during the altercation, though details regarding their involvement are not fully disclosed.
In addition to the charges against Weaver, Barnes’s legal action cites negligence by Ace Event Services and Cross Street Public House. The lawsuit claims that the two entities failed to provide adequate training and supervision for their security personnel. It also points to a troubling history of excessive force incidents involving Ace Event Services at the same location and other venues in the area, questioning their operational protocols and the safety measures in place.
Barnes’s attorney expressed concern that both Cross Street Public House and Ace Event Services have not accepted responsibility for what occurred, asserting a need for accountability following a traumatic experience for the student. A preliminary hearing addressing Weaver’s criminal charges is scheduled for October 30, 2025. During his initial court appearance, representatives for the defense claimed that Barnes instigated the altercation by initiating physical contact, but the judge elected to deny bail due to the severity of the assault involved.
This incident spotlights issues surrounding security practices at local establishments, emphasizing the importance of adequately trained personnel in managing potentially volatile situations to prevent harm to patrons. The outcomes of both the civil suit and criminal charges against Weaver may set precedents for how such cases are handled in the future.
As legal proceedings unfold, further developments regarding the lawsuit and the associated criminal charges will likely gain public attention, raising awareness around security measures in venues serving alcohol and hosting large crowds.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Fox Baltimore
- WBAL TV
- Baltimore Sun
- WBAL Radio
- Wikipedia: Chokehold
- Google Search: Baltimore chokehold lawsuit
- Google Scholar: Chokehold security issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Security Guard
- Google News: Baltimore security incident
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
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