Bar owner worried about safety after shooting in downtown Gainesville

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Gainesville Police are investigating another shooting in Gainesville, this time right outside several downtown bars, and one business owner was very concerned.

JD Chester owns the Knockin ‘Boots Saloon and Downtown Fats, both yards from where three people were injured in a gunfight at around 2am early Sunday morning

“It’s definitely getting more dangerous downtown,” said Chester. “I mean, I have security concerns.”

Witnesses told TV20 that more than 100 people were at a block party in the prosecution parking lot when the gunfire rang out, and one of those victims is a teenager.

Related Story: GPD seeks community help identify suspects in drive-by shooting

“We had to barricade people in the Knocking Boots Saloon to push people in to make sure no one was shot,” Chester said.

After the shootings on Sunday morning, he said his staff at both facilities will be actively trained because, with this surge in violence, you never know when the next shots will be fired.

“And that’s something I honestly never thought I’d have to,” Chester said.

GPD spokesman Graham Glover said police had arrested two people, one of whom fled the scene.

Both are charged with possession of the ball, but not yet charged with that shootout.

“At this point, we’re not ready to say whether or not they were involved in the filming,” said Glover. “The investigation will lead us to conclude one way or another.”

As he puts security in place, Chester hopes gun violence will decrease so his staff and clients can enjoy their night without worrying about another shootout.

“Hopefully we can fix the main problem and go back to what we had a year or two ago,” said Chester.

If you’re out and about at night, officials encourage people of all ages to be aware of your surroundings, stay with friends, and stay in well-lit areas.

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The post Bar owner worried about safety after shooting in downtown Gainesville first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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