The Lancaster County Attorney’s Office says no charges will be filed against a security guard who shot and killed 32-year-old Gregory Little Jr. outside the Royal Hookah Bar and Lounge on April 7. County Attorney Pat Condon says after reviewing the case his office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed as it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt all the elements of a
crime.
He says before the shooting Little and his companion argued with two security guards after being denied re-entry into the bar. Condon says the guards tried to intervene and Little, or someone else in his group, grabbed a baton from one of them. The altercation spilled outside and as the guards tried to retrieve the baton.
Condon says a friend of Little’s got into a fist fight with one of the security guards. During the struggle two 9mm handguns fell out of the guard’s tactical vest. “Video showed that Mr. Little stepped closer to the physical confrontation, reached toward the sidewalk near the security guard’s feet and appeared to pick up one of the loaded handguns,” Condon says.
He says the security guard became scared for his own safety and pulled a Stoger 9mm handgun from his hip holster and fired several shots toward Little. He was struck by three bullets and died. Condon says there is no evidence to believe that the security guard provoked being attacked or that he could have avoided the necessity of using deadly force with complete safety by retreating
“I have had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Little’s mother while this investigation was pending and again this morning,” Condon says. “I know that she, Mr. Little’s father, his siblings, his children, as well as his other family and friends are all grieving. I offer them my sincere condolences for their loss.”
Police Chief Michon Morrow says out of respect for Mr. Little’s family they shared the details of their investigation with them Tuesday morning in a private meeting. “We understand the results are not what they hoped for and we extend our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time of grief and loss.”