Ohio man attacked at American Legion post, suit says

WHEELING - A couple from Ohio have filed a suit against an Ohio Couny American Legion Post after the man was attacked at the post.

William and Joyce Brooks filed the suit April 4 in Ohio Circuit Court against Ohio Valley Post No. 89, The American Legion Department of West Virginia and Shelia McGhee.

The suit states that on Jan. 26, 2003, William Brooks was at the Ohio Valley Post No. 89. According to the suit, Brooks was repeatedly taunted and threatened by Curtis and Shelia McGhee.

According to the suit, Shelia McGhee has a long history of violence and crime, which is known in clubs, taverns or bars around the area. Also, she has a history of taunting Brooks.

Brooks claims in the suit that on Jan. 26, Shelia McGhee had been drinking and was clearly inebriated. Brooks claims he had not been drinking.

"Curtis McGhee continued to harass over an extended period of time and forced ... Brooks to step outside," the suit says.

Then, Shelia McGhee, "upon realizing Curtis McGhee and ... Brooks were in a scuffle," allegedly stuck Brooks in the head and face with a glass, the suit says.

According to the lawsuit, Brooks suffered several injuries, including a one and a half-inch gash to the right side of his face and scratches to his eye and head.

Brooks claims Ohio Valley Post No. 89 is partly responsible for his injuries because its employees served Shelia McGhee alcohol, and the post has a duty to protect the public, especially in that establishment.

The suit also says that Ohio Valley Post No. 89 should have had security guards or bouncers on the premises to control Shelia McGhee.

William and Joyce Brooks, through attorney Ronald W. Zavolta, seek compensatory and punitive damages from the defendants, jointly and severally.

The case has been assigned to Judge Ronald Wilson.

Ohio Circuit Court case number 07-C-130