Alonzo

BACKGROUND

Appellant and his wife, Misty Alonzo, attended a pre-reunion party for Misty’s1 high school reunion at the Branding Iron. The Branding Iron was not booked for this party. Rather, some of the reunion attendees informally gathered there. By late evening, the Branding Iron had two employees on duty, bartenders Jason Bakken and Shea Morgan. Neither employee had received training in preventing or stopping fights. At around 11:00 p.m., approximately 150 patrons were at the Branding Iron. It was very busy and the Branding Iron was understaffed.

First names are used for clarity.

2. As appellant and Misty were leaving the Branding Iron at approximately 11:30 p.m., Angela Parker approached Misty and shoved her. Angela Parker’s husband, Seth Parker, grabbed Misty by the arm. Appellant then punched Seth. Appellant testified that, after he punched Seth, he was tackled from behind by Jason Bakken, one of the two Branding Iron bartenders. Appellant claimed that he dropped to his knees and immediately felt discomfort in his right knee. Appellant further stated that, while he was down, bartender Shea Morgan kicked him on his right side and inside his legs. Appellant was not…