(SIOUX CITY, IA) A weekend shooting at Mac Behr's on historic 4th Street in Sioux City leaves one victim in fair condition at Mercy Medical tonight. 20-year-old Natacha Butera from Rwanda is the victim in this crime, and according to police, she was an *nnocent bystander who just happened to get hit by the bullet in this shooting.
According to police reports, shortly after 1 O-clock Sunday morning, November 18, 2012, Soloman Harris of Sioux City got into a fight with another guy at Mac Behr's on Historic 4th Street. That's when 24-year-old Harris pulled out a 45 caliber gun, and shot into the crowd.
The bullet hit 20- year-old Briar Cliff exchange student, Natacha Butera in the chest. She was taken to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.
Harris was taken into custody, and is charged with two counts of assault while participating in a felony, one count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, reckless use of a firearm, and willful injury.
Mac Behr's posted a statement on its Facebook page that Sunday afternoon: "We are trying all we can to keep a safe environment for all of our patrons. We as a business are not to blame for this. It was the person's choice to think he had to carry a gun into a bar which we don't approve. We ask that you have faith in us and continue to support us as a locally owned bar."
Comments on Facebook support the bar but others are wondering, why was a 20-year-old inside the bar in the first place?
Marsha Certain claims, "This is not the first time there have been minors at the bar..." and "...they need to take the extra steps to make sure people feel safe there, or they will lose everything," she says.
The owner of a nearby bar on historic 4th says she has cameras in place and checks IDs regularly to avoid a situation like this.
"You can try to be as proactive as possible, but if something happens, you can only be ready for the outcome. Things will happen, it's inevitable, anytime you mix alcohol and heated emotions, I'm not sure what caused it, it could be drug related, who knows, but it could happen anywhere in the city," says Julie Schoenherr, owner of Soho Kitchen and Bar.
We also tried getting in touch with Briar Cliff University. A spokesperson for the school sent out a statement saying the school is, "Saddened about this unfortunate situation. Our main concern is for the well-being and continued recovery of the victim. We are working together to attend to her needs and those of her family and friends and of our students."
Hleigh@Siouxlandnews.com
www.facebook.com/heatherleighKMEG
