Security strangled a man unconscious before carrying his lifeless body out of a nightclub in Waukegan where they threw him onto the concrete face-first, the victim said.
The incident happened around 12:15 a.m. on February 1 at Red Iguana Night Club, 454 North Green Bay Road in Waukegan.
Waukegan Deputy Police Chief Craig Neal said the venue was hosting an event promoted as “Napkin Wars” between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.
A victim came to the Waukegan Police Department around 12:30 p.m. on February 1 to report being involved in a physical altercation with security while attending the event, Neal said.
The victim showed officers visible physical injuries he suffered.
The victim involved, Kevante Curry, told ABC7 Chicago that he suffered bruises on his body and broken teeth.
Cellphone video showed Curry’s lifeless body being carried out the front doors of Red Iguana Night Club by multiple security guards.
One of the guards appeared to have his arms wrapped around Curry’s neck as they dragged him outside.
The security staff threw Curry to the concrete face-first, the video showed. The video showed Curry lying there unconscious as security walked back into the establishment.
Curry told ABC7 that he was wrongly accused of smoking marijuana in the restroom, leading to security telling him he had to leave.
He said he complied and was allowed to stand in the vestibule of the club as he waited for his cousin, who was still inside, to come out and give him his phone.
Curry said he went back inside after asking security to get his cousin but was ignored by them.
He said they began attacking him and strangled him, causing him to go unconscious.
Curry’s older brother said he was angered watching the surveillance video where Curry was lifeless and thrown to the ground “like a rag doll.”
His brother said the security choked Curry, put his hands behind his back and then picked him up and dragged him outside before throwing him to the ground.
“There were still blood stains on the concrete from his teeth being knocked out due to him being thrown face-first,” he said.
Red Iguana Night Club issued a statement saying they are aware of the incident and understand the community’s “concern, disappointment and strong emotions.”
“First and foremost, we sincerely apologize to everyone affected by this incident. What occurred is deeply unfortunate and does not reflect the standards, values, or environment we strive to maintain at Red Iguana Nightclub,” the management said in the statement.
“The safety, dignity, and well-being of our guests and our community are always our highest priorities,” they said, adding that the security personnel involved were removed from duty the same night.
The victim’s family went to the establishment later that day and met with the management team.
“During this conversation, we expressed our sincere concern, shared our regret for what occurred, and assured them that we stand with them and understand the seriousness of the situation. We made it clear that we felt deeply sorry about what happened and that the actions taken by the security personnel were not acceptable,” management of the club said.
“We stand with the individual involved, and we stand with our community. We are actively reviewing our security policies, training standards, and oversight procedures to ensure incidents like this do not happen again. Our commitment remains to provide a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for everyone,” the statement added.
Neal said the police investigation remains ongoing and the public is encouraged to come forward with witness information.
Anyone with useful information is asked to call the Community Crimes Division hotline at 847-856-6444 to arrange to speak with a detective.