Bouncer shot during scuffle in Laureldale tavern

Steven Henshaw, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·1 min read

May 1—A shooting at a Laureldale tavern last weekend wounded a bouncer who was trying to quell a scuffle that erupted moments earlier, borough police said.

The events unfolded Friday about 11:45 p.m. inside Margherita Restaurant & Bar, 3600 Kutztown Road. After the shot was fired, everyone in the bar fled, Laureldale Police Chief Brian Horner said.

Police were called and officers from Muhlenberg Township rushed to the scene to assist Laureldale police with the investigation, which continues.

Horner said the bouncer was shot in the back but was on his feet when police arrived.

The bouncer was taken by ambulance to Reading Hospital.

"The bullet lodged a quarter-inch from his spine," Horner said. "He was totally innocent and ended up getting struck."

Horner said he expects charges to be filed soon.

"We have video of the entire incident," he said. "We know exactly what happened because it's clear on the video."

According to Horner:

The man who fired the shot arrived in the establishment where members of a motorcycle group were gathered. Someone from the group immediately shoved the man and he was jumped by others.

While on the floor, he pulled out a gun and fired the shot that struck the bouncer.