Owner of Beckley sports bar says police department harming business

BECKLEY - A business owner is suing the city of Beckley and the police department over alleged retaliation after a police officer was let go for ordering a prank traffic stop on the owner.

RB & RB Inc., doing business as 3D Sports Bar, filed a lawsuit Aug. 30 in the Circuit Court of Raleigh County against the City of Beckley and the Beckley Police Department, seeking injunctive relief and damages for retaliation against public policy, trespass and tortious interference with leasehold, tortious interference with business relationship, and vicarious liability.

According to the complaint, on Aug. 21, 2011, Robin Buck, owner of 3D Sports Bar, was pulled over by several police officers upon the request of Officer J.D. Perry.

The complaint alleges that Officer Perry's request was a prank and during the prank, officers pulled their service revolvers and detained Buck.

The complaint states that on Sept. 8, 2011, Buck filed a complaint with the Beckley Police Department which resulted in Officer Perry leaving the department.

Buck says that after the incident, 3D Sports Bar opened at 4257 Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley. Buck alleges that since opening, two-to-four Beckley Police Department patrol cars intentionally stationed their police cruisers in the parking lot and pulled over patrons of 3D Sports Bar, causing the plaintiff a significant decrease in business.

The plaintiffs are seeking an undisclosed amount of damages. They are being represented in the case by Michael T. Clifford and Richelle K. Garlow.

Circuit Court of Raleigh County Case No: 13-C-708