Pockets Sports Pub said it is “cooperating fully with law enforcement” after a deadly shooting outside its doors in the early morning hours of May 9.
The bar and pool hall, located in a Sharer Road shopping center, posted an “official announcement” on its Facebook page shortly before 3 p.m. on May 10.
Tallahassee police were called at about 2 a.m. the day before after reports of gunfire, finding a man with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot. He died at the scene.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred last night in the parking lot of Heritage Plaza,” the Facebook post said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss of life.
“While this incident did not occur on Pockets property, we understand the concern and emotions surrounding the situation. The safety of our guests, staff, and community has always been and will continue to be our top priority.
“Pockets has a strict no-weapons policy inside the establishment. We have security personnel on site as well as metal detectors in place to help provide a safe environment for everyone who visits our venue. We work hard every night to maintain a secure atmosphere and will continue cooperating fully with law enforcement during their investigation.
The statement concludes, “We ask our community to continue keeping those affected in your thoughts during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
According to another Facebook post, Pockets has been hosting a pre-Mothers Day party with a live DJ, food, drinks and hookah; moms were free till 11 p.m. The establishment closes at 2 a.m.
And according to previous reporting, Pockets also has posted on Facebook about problems in the parking lot.
“Pockets takes the safety and security of its patrons and the surrounding areas extremely serious. Over the year we’ve taken extra steps to make our facilities safer by adding more security measures, providing more training for our employees and partnering with TPD,” the business wrote.
“Pockets is in a mall type complex with a large parking lot, and in certain circumstances, employees have called police over altercations that have nothing to do with our establishment. We’re proud members of the Tallahassee community, we’re thankful to TPD for their support, and safety will remain our number one priority.”
The pool hall parking lot has become a frequent destination for police over the years. In July 2023, three people were shot outside the pool hall in the parking lot in the early morning hours. One of the victims later sued the club for negligence and what it said was shoddy security. Last year, four women were arrested after allegedly beating a man in the parking lot outside the pool hall.
The shooting outside Pockets comes after a deadly incident at Zingales Billiards & Sports Bar on Apalachee Parkway. A man was shot and killed inside the business during the early morning hours of Easter Sunday. That shooting sparked public concern and calls for increased security at the pool hall.
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This story contains previously published reporting. Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee’s Pockets Sports Pub speaks out on deadly shooting
Reporting by Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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