CHARGES: Bouncer Fatally Shot Man Outside Midway Saloon

Aug 11

*Officers investigate a fatal shooting outside the Midway Saloon on Thursday morning.* ***MN CRIME PHOTO***

A Minneapolis man has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after prosecutors say he fatally shot a 43-year-old man outside a Saint Paul bar early Thursday morning.

According to a criminal complaint, Metro Transit officers were on the light rail platform near the Midway Saloon at 1567 University Avenue West around 12:20 a.m. on Aug. 7 when they heard a gunshot.

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They ran toward the bar and found the man on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers provided aid until medics arrived and he was taken to Regions Hospital, where he died in surgery at 3:42 a.m.

Officers detained three men outside the bar, including 29-year-old Davarius Lamonte Clark, who was working as a bouncer that night. Police say Clark repeatedly told them “It’s my gun” and admitted to shooting the man, but said he “wouldn’t have shot someone for no reason.” A Glock 9mm handgun was recovered from Clark’s waistband and a single spent shell casing was found nearby.

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Investigators spoke with the bar manager, who said Clark argued with the man after he brought his bike inside. The manager allowed the bike to stay as long as it was watched, but Clark allegedly continued antagonizing him. The manager saw the two arguing on and off as Clark went in and out of the bar.

Another employee told police Clark had complained that the man was being disrespectful and had spat on him multiple times. The employee heard a “pop” after Clark went outside, then saw the man lying on the ground.

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Surveillance video reportedly shows the man leaving the bar with his bike around 12:11 a.m., exchanging words with Clark outside and later being approached again by Clark—who appeared to have a gun in his hand. The video shows the man spitting twice toward Clark before Clark raised both arms toward him. The man then collapsed.

The bar’s owner told investigators he did not know Clark was carrying a gun and that the business does not employ armed security.

In a statement to police after being read his rights, Clark said the man called him a racial slur and spat on him twice, prompting him to go inside to “calm down” before returning outside. He claimed he “blacked out” after the second spitting and didn’t recall what happened until he was in a squad car. He told officers he admitted to having the gun because “somebody here has to say something.” Clark, who has a valid firearm permit issued in Hennepin County, said he had not gone home to drop off the weapon before coming to the bar.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner determined the man died from blood loss caused by a gunshot wound to the chest and abdomen. His death was ruled a homicide.

Clark is being held in the Ramsey County Jail on $1 million bail. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison on each murder charge.