A violent incident has a local bar owner speaking out about security

Posted: Feb 8, 2010 9:08 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Feb 8, 2010 9:08 PM

Victim whose neck was slashed in Avila Beach bar fight identified

The owner of Mr. Rick's Bar in Avila Beach said security is tight. He's speaking out after a violent incident took place there on Friday. A man's neck was slashed with a box cutter.

The owner told KSBY News they do have security cameras on the premises as well as security. But the owner said in this case, they were caught off-guard. The suspects are a husband and wife. Sheriff's deputies said the husband and a man got into a fight. They identified the victim as 46-year-old David Stratton of Pismo Beach. That's when the husband allegedly slashed Stratton's neck. According to authorities, he received multiple stitches but is expected to recover from his wounds. No word yet on what started that fight.

Joe Mangiardi, Central Coast resident, said, "I think by and large the bar scene has gotten more tame over the years and people are more cognitive of the trouble they can get into for drinking and driving. I think the bartenders themselves and the bar owners are cognitive of that as well." The suspects are 43-year-old Michael Darrien Simmons and 50-year-old Janet Ella Simmons (see photo) of Atascadero. Both were taken into custody on attempted murder charges.

Sheriff's deputies said they recovered the weapon on Janet during the booking process. Bail has been set for the couple at $500,000 each. The owner of Mr. Rick's said they rarely have problems. They also caught the incident on tape and handed it over to authorities. Sheriff's deputies would not release that video.