Huber Heights, Krickets bar reach agreement

A 19-year-old Springfield man, Joshua Hamilton, was shot dead inside the bar Sept. 27.

Since then, owner Darlene Boyd has installed additional lighting both inside and outside the bar, purchased metal detecting equipment and hired professional security.

Bly said Boyd’s efforts lead Judge Mary Wiseman, of Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, to modify the restraining order so that, effective today, Krickets may conduct business from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

“I don’t think that the city would have been in a position to agree to allow them to stay open if they weren’t willing to make and implement the changes they’ve done,” Bly said. He added that, because 19 of the 27 calls made to police from Krickets Tavern in a 20-month period were placed after 2 a.m., evidence showed that the city could safely extend the bar’s hours until 1 a.m.

Boyd’s attorney, Jeffrey Slyman, said the judge’s decision is a “baby step” toward returning the bar’s hours to what they were prior to the homicide.” I really don’t have any criticisms of the city yet because they’ve been accommodating; they’ve negotiated in good faith and we understand their concerns,” Slyman said.

A status counsel is scheduled for Wednesday, at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

Meanwhile, Sgt. Charles Taylor of the Huber Heights Police Division said, law enforcement will continue to monitor the bar closely.