Lawsuit filed against dangerous after-hours club

HARRIS COUNTY – Harris County is taking legal action against a dangerous after-hours club.

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan filed a lawsuit Tuesday to stop Club Eclipse from continuing to pose a threat to the community.

Club Eclipse, also known as Club Night, in the 2600 block of FM 1960 Road West has become a haven for violent crime.

Some of the crimes reported include a club patron being shot and left to die on the sidewalk after a fight at the club.  Two other patrons were robbed at gunpoint as they approached the club.  They were then denied entrance by security when the suspect ran into the club.   Also, a security guard was run over by a club patron, according to authorities.

"The assaults, robberies, fights and the presence of gang members threatens the residents and businesses in the area around Club Eclipse," Ryan said. "Law enforcement responded to 55 calls for service in the last year alone. This must stop."

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission also confirmed alcohol is being served at Club Eclipse after hours and without a permit. The Harris County Fire Marshal has found multiple fire and safety hazards, including locked exit doors, no fire detection system and no fire extinguishers.

The owners of the club, Victoria Gonzalez Zarate and Miguel Zarate, are named in the lawsuit.  They were previously sued in December 2012 when they owned the Club La Cave in the 4700 block of FM 1960 Road West.  According to that lawsuit, criminal activity, including a murder, rampant gang activity, drug crimes and illegal alcohol sales took place at La Cave.