TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – The Tuscaloosa City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to revoke CRU Lounge’s business license after a lengthy hearing at City Hall.
This comes after police say 28-year-old Rashid Little was shot and killed by Arron Hill, a security guard at CRU Lounge, in January. Police say there was some sort of argument just before the shooting.
During the hearing, both sides presented their cases and called witnesses.
The city showed video from inside the club showing Little tussling with Hill and another security guard before they started hitting him. Police say the situation eventually made its way to the CRU parking lot where Little was allegedly shot and killed by Hill.
City officials said the lounge is a danger to the public and needs to be shut down while the owners pleaded with them not to do that, saying they could not have known what was going to take place. The lounge owners said they are sorry for what happened. They also say they do a lot for the community and deserve a second chance.
One of CRU’s co-owners was asked if there was anything that could have been done to prevent the shooting of Little.
“I hate this situation happened. Yes, sir, he was on top of him hitting and choking him, so they were into it. That’s why you see the security guards, the other two trying to get him off of him,” Kevin Davis, co-owner of CRU Lounge, said. “It happened so quick. I know we would never want something like this to happen, but it happened.”
Little’s family members were very emotional before the city voted to revoke the business license.
“To me, if they had called the police, all of it would have been deactivated,” said Mary Walker, Little’s aunt. “I’ll never see my nephew again. I’m just shook up. I want you to close it down. Close it down. Close it down!”
It was also revealed that the security company wasn’t licensed by the state, according to the city.
Tuscaloosa’s police chief is pleased with the city council’s decision, saying safety should be top priority for businesses.
Hill is charged with Little’s murder.
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