Victim of teen mob attack sues BP station owner
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A man who was attacked earlier this year in a teen mob attack at a Midtown gas station is suing the company for injuries he sustained during the incident.
Orrden Williams Jr. filed the lawsuit Oct. 14 against the owner of the BP station at 1336 Poplar Avenue and BP Products North America Inc.
The incident occurred at the BP One Stop on April 13.
According to the police report, Mary Fuller said she was afraid to go outside after noticing a “large gathering of juveniles” in the parking lot.
Williams, 35, who was also a customer in the store, escorted Fuller outside.
As they approached Fuller’s SUV, Williams yelled to the crowd to back off. That seemed to enrage the group, as several boys converged on Williams and Fuller.
She managed to get in her car as Williams continued yelling.
That’s when punches flew, with one boy striking Williams in the back of the head and another taking a wild swing. Williams ran, but the group continued to assault him as well as vandalize his car. The incident was captured on the store’s surveillance camera.
In the lawsuit, Williams claims that the local BP store owner and the franchiser were negligent in providing security and safety for the premises.
Williams’ fiancée and their children are also parties to the lawsuit, claiming damages for physical and psychological injuries.
Williams is represented by Joe Sibley of Camara & Sibley in Houston, Texas, and John L. Ryder and Pablo A. Varela of Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, in Memphis.
Police arrested six juveniles and four adults in the attack.
The juveniles — a 16-year-old and five 17-year-olds — had their cases sent to juvenile court.
The adults arrested in the BP incident are: Devin Hulbert, 19, charged with aggravated riot, motor vehicle burglary and assault; Denizell Gladney, 19, charged with assault and aggravated riot and marijuana possession; Darion
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Kyle Wagenschutz, hired in 2010 as Memphis’ first bicycle and pedestrian program manager, has been recognized as one of the 2015 White House Transportation Champions of Change.
The awards recognize 11 innovators across the country who have provided exemplary leadership in advancing change that benefits the nation’s transportation systems.
Wagenschutz, 32, was in Washington on October 13 to be honored by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and take part in a panel discussion.
“I think it’s humbling, first of all, to be recognized at a national level,” he said. “I also think this is an affirmation of the work that’s happening here in Memphis transitioning our city from one that relies solely on automobiles Milken, 18, charged with assault and aggravated riot; and Joe Brittman, 19, charged with aggravated riot and assault.
Hulbert and Gladney waived their preliminary hearing on July 23 and their cases were sent to the grand jury for possible indictment.
Brittman and Milken were indicted on the charges of aggravated robbery and assault on July 22. Their case is set for disposition on Nov. 3. to one that’s more diverse.”
Since 2010, the city has gone from 62.4 miles of bike lanes to 133.5 miles with a projected 273.3 miles by 2016. In 2008 and 2010, Memphis was on Bicycling magazine’s worst list, but by 2012 had become the Most Improved City for Cycling.
“Kyle’s leadership and innovation on this issue has led to national recognition for the city’s efforts, making Memphis a role model for other cities to follow when developing their own biking and walking programs,” said Mayor A C Wharton. “We are investing time, money, and effort into making Memphis a better place to walk and bicycle because it’s good for our health, economy, and quality of life.”
The city’s progress, Wagenschutz said, is proof that the bike/walk initiatives can work anywhere.