UPDATE:
Several South side organizations sent out an open letter on Saturday afternoon following Friday night’s stabbing.
The letter, addressed to DA Stephen Zappala and “the public officials responsible for protecting the South Side and the media” calls for the closure of Capo’s.
It reads, in part:
Capos was already given an opportunity to continue operating under a consent agreement intended to address unsafe conditions. By allowing weapons inside, Capos violated at least three provisions of that agreement. The conditions imposed to protect patrons, and the community have been breached. The District Attorney’s Office must now seek closure.
A consent agreement must carry consequences. If its conditions are violated, public officials must enforce them. Another round of promises cannot substitute for accountability.
At some point, remediation stops being a remedy and becomes another postponement of accountability.
We believe that point has been more than reached.
The letter is signed by SouthSideCan, South Side Community Council, City Councilman Bob Charland, South Side Chamber of Commerce, South Side Hospitality Partnership and the East Carson Street Business District.
Original story:
One person is in critical condition after an altercation and stabbing at a South Side bar already under scrutiny.
Pittsburgh Police say the victim was stabbed in the chest at the intersection of South 14th Street and East Carson Street after a fight inside Capos Bar.
The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police found evidence since the bar and evacuated Capos to secure the scene.
An investigation is ongoing to identify suspects.
Capo’s was at risk of shutting down over the summer before agreeing to new restrictions put in place by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s office.
Under the agreement, Capo’s must close by 1:30 a.m., shut down its outside line at 1 a.m., and limit customers to one drink at last call.
Capacity is reduced by 100 people, with added security and checks for weapons and drugs.
The bar also had to remove its stripper pole, ban dancing on tables and chairs, and stop selling “fishbowls with excessive alcohol Employees will be retrained on overserving, intoxication and drug use.
The agreement lasts one year.
The agreement came after a series of incidents, including the alleged rape of a woman who police say was left outside the bar.
Capo's has been at the center of several incidents
Capo's has been at the center of several incidents
