COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein filed a complaint against a bar on the city’s north side on Tuesday, citing criminal activity and dozens of police calls to the area.
The city is asking the court to declare Jack’s Corner Pub, a bar located on Summit Street, a public nuisance and order owners to work with the Columbus Division of Police to increase security and adhere to all liquor laws or face possible closure.
“We want Columbus to have a vibrant, thriving nightlife, but it needs to be safe for patrons, workers and neighbors. The violence and crime we’re seeing at this bar is unacceptable, and it must be addressed or we will shut it down,” said Klein. “We want owners to work with CPD to make the necessary changes to make this business safe. If they are unwilling or unable to do so, the City will not hesitate to take appropriate action to hold owners accountable and protect public safety.”
Over the past two years, court documents show that the bar has seen 38 calls for service and complaints to police. One of the calls was for a reported homicide that occurred in March 2022.
A petition against the bar located began circulating online in April 2022. The petition was led by nearby residents who complained of gunshots, knife fights, sex workers and late-night chaos.
"There have been some disturbing trends. Obviously, some homicides at Jack's. The neighbors are fed up and rightfully so. We want to do things right, we want to be successful, and I think we're at the point where we can and did file a lawsuit. Our neighbors deserve to live in a safe place and Jack's is a problem,” said Klein.
In July, there was a fight at the property where one suspect, identified as David Allen, had a firearm and reportedly shot 23-year-old Nasier Reid, multiple times.
Columbus police said there hasn’t been an arrest in Reid’s death, but detectives are still actively working the case.
Reid’s mother, DaShana Reid, spoke with 10TV Tuesday. She said the grief of losing her son has turned into a fight for justice for her son.
“He didn't just shoot my son, he executed my son,” Reid said. “He had so much potential. He had a lot going on as far as his life and career and his children. That was taken from him due to the negligence of this bar. The grief process is a roller coaster.”
The city’s lawsuit pushes for the implementation of a number of safety and security measures at the premises, including the purchase and installation of security cameras, according to Klein. The city also requests that the owners work more closely with police to identify areas for improvement.
“Patrons, employees and area neighbors deserve safety—not more of the same crime and violence that has plagued this bar for too long. We’re encouraged that owners are willing to step up to work with CPD and the City to make the necessary changes to improve safety and security, and this case ensures that the City has the ability to step in to hold owners accountable if the need arises,” said Assistant City Attorney Christopher Clark.
Klein said if the suit is unsuccessful in shuttering the business, they can still take action against its liquor license or force changes to operating hours and security.
The bar has voluntarily shut its doors and will remain closed until the next court date, scheduled for Sept. 11.
10TV reached out to the bar’s owner, Roy Walls, but that call was not returned. Walls told 10TV in April 2022 “I'm upset about it too. You don't want that going on in the community. You don't want anyone to get hurt.”
