CINCINNATI — Local businesses along Hamilton Avenue in Northside are demanding accountability after two people were killed and two others were injured in a shooting near Spotlight Lounge early Sunday morning.
The victims have been identified as 23-year-old Quiade Daniels and 32-year-old Vermonte Blair. Cincinnati police say the gunfire started after an altercation near the bar.
Barry Hensley, owner of Quality Appliance Sales and Services next door to Spotlight Lounge, said this is not the first violent incident at the location. He has operated his business since 1989 and said repeated shootings have left bullet holes in the front of his building.
"I don't know who's going to pay for all this damage other than me, probably," said Hensley. "They've had another instance where men are over here shot dead right here within the next 10 feet of us, it's not good for anybody's property, and then the sad part is two men are dead, last night, so it's just rough."
WATCH: Nearby business owners demand accountability after years of violence
He is calling for accountability from those who allowed the situation to escalate.
"I like some accountability from the people who allowed it to heat up like this," Hensley said. "I think the owner could've got more security in there because it's not like this hasn't been a problem here."
A former worker at the lounge said he left his job after a shooting incident four years ago and hasn't witnessed a real solution being made.
"Everybody is running out like the first time I started working here. It was like déjà vu in a nightmare all over again," said David Low. "It's not right for a community, it's not right for anybody walking up and down the streets at night, and everybody's scared, didn't even want to hang out down here at night anymore."
Oliver Kroner, a member of the Partnership of Cobblestone LLC, which owns the building Spotlight Lounge is in, responded to the incident.
"It's a tragedy for everyone involved," Kroner said. "We are working to terminate the lease with the bar. The bar owners do not want to remain open. They're heartbroken."
He said the bar signed the lease agreement in 2020.
Northside Business Association President William Walker acknowledged violence in the area when we talked with him Monday, and issued a statement on the association's website.
"Northside must petition to hold those accountable that choose to compromise the safety of our community. This not only compromises the well-being of individuals visiting and living in Northside, but this also negatively impacts businesses and their operations," Walker said in the statement.
He said proactive crime prevention efforts that the business association has been implementing in the parking lot they own directly across from the Spotlight Lounge are an example of what can be done elsewhere.
The association has installed lights, signage, and a surveillance camera to discourage people from using the parking lot as a space to loiter.
WATCH: We dig into crime trends near Spotlight Lounge and talk solutions with those who live and work nearby
Neil Wilson moved to the area in December and said he had planned to have drinks at Spotlight Lounge over the weekend before opting for a night out in Newport instead.
He called for additional police patrols and cameras to be installed along the main routes through Northside.
"It's a really great community," Wilson said. "People here are very nice. It seems like a very family-based type of deal here."
Bree Moss, president of the Northside Community Council, said concerns about gun violence and the risk of violence in the area have been "on the radar" of the safety and livability committee.
Moss said the committee's regularly coordinated efforts with the Northside Business Association, NEST, liaison officers with CPD District 3 and the city manager's office will continue.
"While there are many perspectives and critiques in any community, this moment reflects something more complicated," Moss said. "The realities of this time will not waver our commitment to valuing life, dignity, and difference."
Cincinnati Police say two people have been detained and two firearms were recovered, but it's still unclear if they're connected to the shooting. The investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cincinnati Police Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story erroneously stated that Oliver Kroner owned Spotlight Lounge. It has since been updated to reflect the accurate information.
