Bouncer Says Drunk Cop Shot Him Twice

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CN) - A drunk police officer shot a bouncer twice after the man refused to let him into a bar with his police-issued gun, the bouncer claims in court.

Rodney Babbs Jr. sued Officer Bryan Block in Jackson County Court.

He also sued Block's employer, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan., and Police Chief Rick Armstrong.

The complaint also spells Block's name as Bloch.

Block crossed state lines with his service weapon on March 4, 2011, to drink at Club 6902 in Kansas City, Mo., where Babbs worked as a bouncer, according to the complaint.

Babbs claims Block flew into a rage when he was told that he could not bring his gun into the bar.

Another bouncer, nonparty Rory LaRue, "told Detective Bloch that he would have to leave his service weapon in the car or leave the premises," the complaint states.

It continues: "Defendant Bloch refused to leave the premises and told Rory LaRue that he was a KCK police officer."

Babbs says he "came upon the heated discussion between Bloch and bouncer LaRue," and told Bloch he had to leave.

Babba says Bloch did not respond, but "stood without moving and glared at bouncer Babba."

The complaint continues: "Bouncer Babbs then went over to Detective Bloch and nudged him on the elbow towards the door;

"Detective Bloch went into a rage when bouncer Babbs touched his elbow, stating, 'Don't put your fucking hands on me! Don't put your fucking hands on me!'"

Babbs says he and Bloch "tussled" out the door of the club, and he told Bloch to "'get on,' to which Bloch replied 'I've got a .40 caliber and I will blast you.'"

Babbs says in response to the threat, he "pushed (Bloch) in the face," as LaRue came out of the club.

Bloch pulled his gun and was "angrily waiving it around and pointing it between (Babbs) and LaRue," the complaint states.

It continues: "Babbs became fearful for the safety of LaRue, his co-worker, so he rushed Bloch to protect LaRue and Bloch then fired two shots from his .40 caliber service weapon into the torso of Babbs;

"Babbs tackled Bloch and held him down despite the two gunshot wounds until LaRue could take over;

"At that time he was shot, Babbs [was] afraid that he was going to die and he was in shock." (References to deposition omitted.)

Block was arrested and pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Assault and Unlawful Use of Loaded Firearm/Projectile Weapon by an Intoxicated Person, for which he got 2 years probation, the complaint states.

Babbs seeks punitive damages for battery and negligence.

He is represented by James H. Scott, of Kansas City, Mo.

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