Federal Way police, bar owners working to curb violence
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FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- A recent shootout at a Federal Way bar left one person dead and another six injured, and that has police and bar owners banding together in an attempt to curb the violence.
The owner of Angelica's Restaurant and Lounge runs a tight ship. Angelica Mondragoa is behind the bar most of the time said it's common for crowds of customers to linger in the parking lot after last call.
That's what happened two weeks ago right across the street at Johnny's Famous Bar and Grill.
Police say in the early hours of June 27, 21-year old Kenneth Sutton shot and killed 23-year-old Cloise Young of Kent. Family members said Young had a 2-year-old daughter and don't know why he would have been involved in a shooting.
Sutton, who was one of six others injured in the melee, was arrested when he sought treatment at a hospital.
Federal Way Police Deputy Chief Andy Hwang said the motive for the shooting, including whether it's gang-related, remains under investigation.
Police officials say they're working closely with the liquor license board to keep tabs on area bars, and they say Johnny's was already under close watch even before the shooting.
"We're not new to having establishments pop up and become problems," said Federal Way police spokesperson Cathy Schrock. "Over serving or having patrons hanging out in parking lots after closing hours."
The department is now looking at ways to disperse after-hours crowds before violence erupts. And police aren't alone, either. Nearby bar owners are doing their part.
"We just call each other and say, 'Hey, this person just left my bar he got cut off and was kind of upset so I think he's headed to your place," Mondragoa said..
With police and business owners working together, many in the area hope the violence subsides.
"It's going to get better," said resident Tom Batterberry. "Its not going to get worse."
The owner of Angelica's Restaurant and Lounge runs a tight ship. Angelica Mondragoa is behind the bar most of the time said it's common for crowds of customers to linger in the parking lot after last call.
That's what happened two weeks ago right across the street at Johnny's Famous Bar and Grill.
Police say in the early hours of June 27, 21-year old Kenneth Sutton shot and killed 23-year-old Cloise Young of Kent. Family members said Young had a 2-year-old daughter and don't know why he would have been involved in a shooting.
Sutton, who was one of six others injured in the melee, was arrested when he sought treatment at a hospital.
Federal Way Police Deputy Chief Andy Hwang said the motive for the shooting, including whether it's gang-related, remains under investigation.
Police officials say they're working closely with the liquor license board to keep tabs on area bars, and they say Johnny's was already under close watch even before the shooting.
"We're not new to having establishments pop up and become problems," said Federal Way police spokesperson Cathy Schrock. "Over serving or having patrons hanging out in parking lots after closing hours."
The department is now looking at ways to disperse after-hours crowds before violence erupts. And police aren't alone, either. Nearby bar owners are doing their part.
"We just call each other and say, 'Hey, this person just left my bar he got cut off and was kind of upset so I think he's headed to your place," Mondragoa said..
With police and business owners working together, many in the area hope the violence subsides.
"It's going to get better," said resident Tom Batterberry. "Its not going to get worse."
