r/SecurityGuardsOnly

Attorney says Sacramento dispensary guard acted in self-defense during deadly burglary encounter

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Security Guard accused of killing a man during a burglary at a South Sacramento marijuana dispensary is now facing felony charges after a shooting earlier this month near Florin Perkins Road.

Sacramento police said officers were called around 4:30 a.m. May 8 to a cannabis facility on Thys Court for a burglary in progress and learned shots had been fired.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Columbia-area nightclub has responded after a deadly shooting involving one of its Security Guards.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said the shooting happened at Club Barcode on Oneil Court at around 1 a.m. Wednesday. A Security Guard reportedly told deputies that he had shot someone who brandished a firearm at him.

Richland County Coroner Nadia Rutherford later identified the man who was fatally shot as 28-year-old Desmond Montgomery, of Greeleyville.

RCSD said deputies saw a man shot on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and immediately began trying to help.

The sheriff’s department said the Security Guard, who it identified as 41-year-old Nicholas Horton, told deputies he was working when an altercation between two people erupted in the club. He and another Guard, Mark Hammond, then took a man and woman outside.

Once outside, deputies were told the woman had become “unruly and aggressive” toward Hammond, who pepper-sprayed her in response. The man, later identified as Montgomery, reportedly went to his car and came back asking the woman who had sprayed her. The woman then pointed at Hammond.

Horton said he then saw Montgomery lift his shirt and draw a gun from his waistband. He told authorities he shot the man multiple times.

RCSD said a weapon was found near Montgomery, who was taken to a hospital where he later died. Horton’s gun was also secured by authorities.

RCSD also noted that this was the second shooting by a Security Guard at Club Barcode since January. It’s also the second deadly shooting to occur at a Richland County nightclub this week, the other being at Relapse Bar & Grill near Forest Acres.

In a statement Wednesday evening, Club Barcode said its “deepest thoughts and prayers to the individual’s family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

“At Barcode 2.0, the safety and well-being of our patrons and staff will always remain our top priority. We work closely with contracted Armed Security and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to help maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone who visits our establishment,” the club said. “Barcode 2.0 does not condone violence in any form. We are a restaurant and lounge that believes in providing an experience alongside some of the best food you will ever have. We cater to our community by providing day events, brunches, and memorable experiences while delivering great service. We will continue to provide that atmosphere for our guests and supporters.”

The club also said it will resume its normal business schedule on Thursday when it opens at 4 p.m.

RCSD also said state law allows for SLED-licensed Security Officers to be granted the power of Sheriffs while on the property they are hired to protect.

That provision is found in Title 40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which states:

“A person who is registered or licensed under this chapter and who is hired or employed to provide security services on specific property is granted the authority and arrest power given to Sheriff’s Deputies. The Security Officer may arrest a person violating or charged with violating a criminal statute of this State but possesses the powers of arrest only on the property on which he is employed.”

The law does not specifically dictate whether licensed Security Officers are legally permitted to use lethal force if necessary.

No further details were immediately available.