Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 28, 2013
NORFOLK
A 27-year-old man was shot in the cheek near a downtown Norfolk nightclub early Friday, police said.
The shooting happened outside The Palace on Plume Street about 1:45 a.m., according to a police report. The victim was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital; his wounds did not appear to be life-threatening, police spokesman Chris Amos said.
“Some kind of altercation broke out outside by The Palace nightclub between several individuals, and at some point, somebody pulls a gun out, and they fire their gun,” Amos said.
It was not clear whether the victim was part of the dispute or an onlooker, he said.
Nightclub owner Kenny Bullock declined to comment. Kevin Martingayle, the club’s attorney, issued a statement via email that read:
“We are currently unaware of any connection to the Palace, other than the shooting having occurred outside and close to the establishment. The Palace intends to cooperate with law enforcement and strongly condemns all acts of violence. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that any business can do about criminal behavior on public streets and sidewalks. Nevertheless, the Palace is always open to suggestions for enhancing public safety.”
Police said they are looking for the shooter and asked that anyone with information on his identity call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Four people were stabbed in September during a fight at The Palace. One person was hospitalized, and a man from Richmond was arrested.
In another incident, Timothy Jenkins of Newport News was fatally shot in a moving Ford Explorer in August 2011 on Interstate 264 in Norfolk. Virginia State Police have said they believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute that started inside The Palace. The homicide remains unsolved. Anyone with information on the Jenkins case can call state police at 424-6800.
Norfolk officials considered revoking the club’s alcohol license in 2011 but decided to approve it, with Councilman Tommy Smigiel the lone vote against.
Pilot writer Denise M. Watson contributed to this report.
Patrick Wilson, 757-222-3893, patrick.wilson@pilotonline.com
For Norfolk public safety updates, follow reporter Patrick Wilson on Twitter.
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