WEST HOLYWOOD—Punk rock fans traded thrown rocks and beverage bottles with shots of rubber bullets, beanbags and mace spray from sheriff’s deputies in a melee that erupted outside of West Hollywood’s Key Club on the night of Thursday, January 6.
The 30-minute altercation started when deputies received a report at about 10:30 p.m. that a fight had broken out between bouncers and attendees at the night’s show, which featured the punk bands TSOL and Youth Brigade. Robert James Bezeeley, 20, and Gabriel Jesse Ruiz, 19, were both arrested. Upon their arrest, club owner Ian Shepp stopped the show due to the crowd’s unruly and volatile nature, a move that was recommended by sheriff’s officials.
The dispersing crowd, which according to Shepp was likely enraged by the show ending early, began rioting with sheriff’s deputies outside the club. Despite the mayhem, no deputies were injured, and the venue building was unharmed.
The Key Club has since posted an apology for the incident on its website. “[The] Key Club would like to sincerely apologize to the city of West Hollywood & our incredibly loyal fan-base for the unfortunate events that occurred last night,” reads the statement. “We work hard every day to provide a safe & enjoyable concert experience for all of our patrons. We hope that you will continue to trust & support us in the future!”
Nobody was arrested in the altercation outside, but authorities are currently studying video and checking local hospitals to possibly identify suspects.
