HOUSTON – Violence outside a night club has Harris County taking action and forcing the owner to shape up or shut down.
A video posted on YouTube last December shows men and woman fighting in front of Club Eclipse night club on East FM 1960. Prosecutors said a club customer shot the video as the sun came up. The Harris County Attorney's Office said during the fight, at least one person was stabbed in the head and arm and shots were fired.
"They are operating an illegal and dangerous nuisance establishment that attracts criminal activity," said Assistant County Attorney Julie Countiss.
A Harris County judge has issued a temporary injunction forcing the club's owner and the strip center landlord to reduce crime. That includes improving lighting, adding surveillance cameras and security, plus not selling alcohol at the after-hours club that was open from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m.
"This club does not have a TABC license or permit or any kind yet they serve alcohol on a regular basis," Countiss said.
The county attorney says the club had become a haven for violent crime, parking lot brawls, aggravated robberies, stabbing and shootings.
"It's a danger to the neighborhood. And law enforcement was a big part of us putting that evidence on and showing what a danger this place is," said Countiss.
For now, the signs on the door show the club is closed.