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DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) – Two Doral Police officers have filed a lawsuit against Martini Bar Doral’s owner and a private security firm after a tragic shooting left one officer seriously injured and a security guard dead.
The incident occurred on April 6 at Martini Bar Doral, located at 3450 NW 83rd Ave. Officers Andrew Romo and Ricardo Acevedo were off-duty but present at the bar when 37-year-old Jamal Wayne Wood entered and began firing at patrons.
The shooting resulted in the death of George Castellanos, a 23-year-old security guard, and injuries to seven others, including the two officers. Wood was shot and killed at the scene by police.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, claims that the nightclub’s owners failed to implement adequate security measures. It also alleges that Castellanos lacked proper safety training, which might have prevented the tragedy. Additionally, the complaint argues that thorough weapons searches could have averted the shooting.
Officer Acevedo expressed his concern, stating, “While our duty as police officers is to protect and serve, our own lives need protection too. I’m incredibly lucky to be alive.” Officer Romo added, “I almost didn’t make it home to my family due to a completely preventable incident and simple safety measures.”
Their trial attorney, Bernardo Pimentel, emphasized, “If proper safety protocols had been in place, the lives of those present, including Officers Romo and Acevedo, would not have been endangered.”
Following the incident, Castellanos’ family also filed a lawsuit against the nightclub’s owners.
