A 26-year-old man was killed over the weekend after a deadly shootout at a Central Phoenix strip club.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, James Oliver Tuner died on Saturday, June 10, after he was shot inside of Plush Gentlemen’s Club following an altercation between patrons.
Police say that two groups of males attending a private after-hours event at the strip joint, which is located at 17th Street and McDowell Road, got into a heated argument that resulted in a fight. One of the groups was reportedly told to leave after the fracas was broken up.
Then, things escalated even further.
A few minutes later, one of the 86’d males returned with a gun and opened fire inside Plush at around 4:30 a.m. He reportedly got off several shots, including hitting Tuner.
No other injuries were reported. Police say there were approximately 20 people inside the strip club at the time.
Tuner was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died due to his injuries. The gunman fled the scene following the shootout and is still at large.
Phoenix Police are are urging anyone with any possible information relevant to the case to call Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.
According to employees of neighboring businesses, Plush hasn't hosted any other events since the incident. Its Facebook page, Twitter account, and website are all currently offline.
Several calls placed to the club by New Times have gone unanswered as of this writing.
A makeshift memorial consisting of candles, a small bouquet of flowers, a pack of menthol cigarettes, and an unopened Monster energy drink has been set up near the club’s front door, which is scarred by a large bullet hole.
According to Jeffery Trillo of the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, Plush’s liquor license has been inactive since April 30 due to a civil matter involving it's landlord. The club reportedly received its license in February.
Trillo also says that the department has taken no adverse action against Plush's license in connection with the incident.
Plush Gentlemen's Club
Benjamin Leatherman
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