Officers would not confirm the identity of the bartender. He was transported to Miami Valley Hospital and was listed in serious condition Sunday.
Investigators think that shortly before closing time the bartender walked outside, and as he was walking back in the main entrance he was shot by an unknown man, Dayton Police Maj. Larry Faulkner said.
Officers are working with a “vague description,” said Faulkner, who oversees the Central Patrol Operations Division.
The Dayton Daily News could not reach Hammerjax’s management Sunday, but Faulkner said the relationship between the club’s management and police is strained.
Faulkner said he has submitted paperwork to revoke the club’s liquor license. He said the action is part of an ongoing effort that began about a year ago to shut the club down as a nuisance.
“They’re not managing the club like we would like people to manage it,” he said. “In the past they’ve agreed to do certain things as far as managing their club better. ... As we increased our pressure upon them to do those things, they disengaged from us and they no longer really cooperate with us.”
Dayton police records show that four police reports have been filed this year involving Hammerjax. There were 18 in 2011 and 11 in 2010.
The multilevel night club is open select days during the week.
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