PITTSBURGH — A security guard was shot and killed late Monday inside of a Homewood bar with a history of violence.
Investigators said the shooting happened inside Rendezvous Phase III bar on Hamilton Avenue just before midnight.
The victim, identified as Deion Nesbitt, 24, was working when someone opened fire inside the bar, police said.
Investigators said Nesbitt was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he later died.
A second female security guard was also injured when she was grazed by a bullet, police said.
Authorities said Harvey Scott Jr., 26, was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Scott is facing charges for criminal homicide and carrying a firearm without a license.
Investigators said Scott is a known violent criminal with a lengthy police record.
Detectives said the victim was not a target and was trying to do his job when he was killed.
"He did everything he could to help people. To lose him this way is just unbelievable to me,” said Nesbitt’s aunt, Luvenia Dudley.
According to the criminal complaint, Nesbitt got into a fight with Scott as he tried to escort him out of the bar. Moments after the fight, Scott allegedly shot Nesbitt.
Pittsburgh police said they arrested Scott after his car crashed when he tried to drive away from the scene.
"He was a very loving, young man,” said Nesbitt’s dad, Kevin Gore. “Between me and his mother, we raised a great young man."
Gore and Dudley told Channel 11 that he wants to see Rendezvous Phase III bar closed.
"I know Deion loved his job. He worked here. He loved the people in there, but this bar never should have been reopened,” said Dudley.
In March 2014, a man was fatally shot and four other customers were wounded at a shooting at Rendezvous Phase III.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappalla said he plans to meet with the owners of the bar and will decide whether the place will close permanently.
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