Midway Saloon Bouncer Charged in Fatal Shooting Over Patron Spitting Incident
ST. PAUL, Minnesota — A bouncer from the Midway Saloon, located near University and Snelling Avenues, has been charged with murder after fatally shooting a patron who allegedly spat on him, according to St. Paul police and local news outlets.
Incident Overview
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Suspect: Davarius Lamonte Clark, 29, worked as a bouncer at the Midway Saloon. He has been formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness NewsCBS News
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Victim: The deceased has been identified as Jeffrey S. Matson, 43, of Brooklyn Park. He was shot in the torso and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
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What Happened: According to surveillance footage, the victim was leaving the bar holding his bicycle when he and Clark got into an argument—apparently over bringing the bike inside. The manager had allowed it, but the dispute continued. Clark went back inside briefly, emerged with a gun in hand, and was spat upon by the victim twice before firing the fatal shot. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. PaulCBS News
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Suspect’s Statement: Clark acknowledged to responding officers, “It’s my gun,” and added, “I wouldn’t have shot someone for no reason, but do what you gotta do.” He also mentioned that while the victim used a racial slur, it “didn’t really factor into his anger.” FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. PaulCBS News
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Firearm: Clark possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm in Hennepin County, but the bar owner was not aware that he carried a gun while working—nor does the establishment employ armed security.
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