Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Former College Baseball Player Who Allegedly Punched 80-Year-Old Man in the Back of the Head – What Recourse Do Victims of “Unprovoked” Bar Attacks Have in Santa Clarita Under California Civil Laws?
A shocking story involving a now-former The Master’s University baseball player and an 80-year-old regular customer at a local Santa Clarita bar raises questions in the minds of some Santa Clarita residents and bar patrons about what rights and options the victims of unprovoked bar attacks have under California personal injury laws. According to local reports, 21-year-old Owen Hayes, of Newhall, was arrested earlier this week on Monday after he allegedly punched an 80-year-old man in the back of the head in a Lyons Avenue bar. The terrible and dangerous accident, that left the 80-year-old man with a skull fracture and brain bleed, occurred earlier this year on February 28. Staff at the bar where the incident occurred state that the incident was “an unprovoked assault against a well-liked longtime customer.” Santa Clarita Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report at around 1:23 a.m. at the bar, and were told that there was “mutual combat” between two groups at the bar. However, in security videos that were obtained after the alleged attack, “the victim can be seen joking with the assailant, and the video appears to show the assailant coming up from behind and punching the patron in the head.” The victim, only identified as “John” was said to be “doing well,” as of the most recent reports on the incident. Hayes was ultimately arrested on suspicion of elder abuse and assault likely to cause great bodily injury. TMU released a statement about the incident, in which it said, “The university takes all violations of its standards and biblical convictions seriously…When violations occur, we follow established procedures to ensure appropriate action is decisively taken. We are thankful that such behavior is exceedingly rare among our students, who come to TMU because they desire to honor the Lord.”
Attacks in Bars and Other Establishments in Santa Clarita – Is There Any Recourse for the Victims?
Although there is currently no indication that the bar itself had inadequate safety measures or security in place, the alleged bar attack that left the 80-year-old victim with a skull fracture and brain bleed leaves a perhaps unanswered question in the minds of some Santa Clarita residents: Do the victims of unprovoked bar and restaurant attacks have any rights under California civil laws? The truth of the matter is that victims of attacks on business properties in Santa Clarita may be entitled to money compensation not only against their attacker, but also potentially against the owner of the business or property, if the owner of the business or property failed in their duty to adequately maintain and secure the establishment. These are called premises liability claims under California laws.
Getting Legal Help in Santa Clarita
If you were injured in a bar attack or attack at a Santa Clarita restaurant or other establishment, it is important to know your rights and options. The best way to find out is to speak with an experienced Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer as soon as possible about your case.
The experienced Santa Clarita personal injury lawyers at the Trevino Law Firm are here to help victims of serious bar attacks get justice for their injuries and losses. Contact the Trevino Law Firm today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
signalscv.com/2025/03/tmu-baseball-player-identified-as-suspect-in-bar-assault/
