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Men sue security firm and former guard accused of shooting at them in Ybor City parking garage

 
Farqharson
Farqharson
Published Sept. 10, 2016

TAMPA — Three people involved in an altercation with a security guard at a city parking garage have filed suit against the guard and the company he worked for at the time.

Chris Pino, Kevin Whitcher and Megan Zetterberg have filed separate lawsuits against Everoy Farqharson and his former employer, Iron Eagle Security in Tampa, for the July 10 incident that resulted in Farqharson's arrest.

That night, Farqharson caught Pino and Whitcher urinating in the garage at 2010 13th St. N in Ybor City. During the confrontation, which Pino recorded on cellphone video, Farrqharson blocked Zetterberg's car with his golf cart.

Whitcher told Farqharson to call police or move the cart and let them leave. When Whitcher tried to move the cart himself, Farqharson can be seen shoving and trying to punch Whitcher. Farqharson, 31, then knocked the phone out of Pino's hands. The screen went black when the phone hit the ground, but it continued to capture sound.

According to the lawsuits filed Aug. 22 in Hillsborough circuit court, Farqharson drew his gun and fired at Whitcher from about 15 feet away. Whitcher started running, and Farqharson fired again. The shots came so close, according to the suit, that Whitcher was able to "feel the energy of the bullet." Farqharson also fired two shots at Pino as he ran away, the suit claims.

When Zetterberg tried to drive away, Farqharson reached into her car and ripped the keys from the ignition, according to the complaints.

Police arrived moments later and arrested Farqharson. He was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, battery, tampering with evidence and burglary. The case is still pending.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for negligence, assault and battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent training and supervision.

Farqharson could not be reached Friday. Iron Eagle owner Roosevelt Robinson did not immediately return a message seeking comment. The city terminated its contract with the company after the incident.

Contact Tony Marrero at tmarrero@tampbay.com or (813) 226-3374. Follow @tmarrerotimes.