EASTWOOD EXPO Gunfire and fight injure 2

Police took several people into custody but have not yet filed any charges.
By SHERRI L. SHAULISand PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- A fight at the Center Stage lounge at the Eastwood Expo Center broke out into gunfire and landed at least two people in area hospitals.
Police released few details this morning about the fight, which took place around 1 a.m., but initial reports show that one unidentified person was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center for a gunshot wound and a police officer was treated at Trumbull Memorial Hospital after being hit over the head with a bottle.
"It was just unbelievable," said Police Chief Bruce Simeone. "It was a disaster."
Police were not releasing the name of the shooting victim, but Simeone said Officer Rich Bailey received several stitches. Another officer was also injured, but Simeone did not say who it was or the extent of his injuries.
Bailey was released this morning from the hospital.
Post-concert party
The fight happened during a party at the Center Stage bar inside the Eastwood Expo Center. The party was held after a concert by Lil Scrappy, a hip-hop recording artist.
"The concert was great," said promoter LaShawn Ziegler. "Everything went real well. The problems happened later."
Ziegler, owner of 77 Soul club, which was shut down by Warren city officials earlier this year, says about 400 people paid a fee to attend the after-party.
"Everyone thought that they could get in and have some drinks and relax," Ziegler said. "Things were going fine until they ran out of liquor around 12:30 and the party was supposed to last until 2."
Ziegler said those attending the party were then forced to stay in one small area of the bar.
"It was just too many people in one small area, and then people started fighting," Ziegler noted.
Taken into custody
Simeone said police took three or four people into custody after the melee and had two suspects in the shooting. He confirmed police also had a suspect they believe struck Bailey with a bottle.
He declined to release the names of those taken into custody, because none had been formally charged or arraigned. He did add that he was conferring with the city's law department to see what charges could be filed.
slshaulis@vindy.comsinkovich@vindy.com