Police: Va. Beach man denied entry, fired shots at bar

VIRGINIA BEACH

Blake Francis, furious after being denied entry to a sports bar because of his attire last week, fired several shots at the place, police said.

No one was harmed, but several vehicles were hit by bullets, police said.

Authorities could not explain how Francis violated the dress code at Luxury Brown Sports Bar and Dance Club. A booking photograph of the 23-year-old dreadlocked man shows him in what appears to be a white T-shirt. He was charged with two counts each of attempted malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

The sports bar bans T-shirts, sports wear, tennis shoes and extremely baggy pants, according to its Web site. A telephone call was not returned Wednesday.

The business on Baker Road is owned by Barry Davis, who earlier this year settled a federal lawsuit over allegations that his hair and dress code policies at Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club in Virginia Beach blocked blacks from admission.

Police spokesman Adam Bernstein said Francis and two friends tried to patronize the sports bar at 12:45 a.m. last Thursday but Francis was stopped at the door because of what he was wearing.

Police say Francis refused to leave and got into an altercation with security guards. He made several death threats to workers as he walked to his car, Bernstein said. Employees called 911.

Francis pulled out of the parking lot but moments later made a U-turn, driving toward the business, police said. He fired several gunshots, Bernstein said.

An officer spotted Francis ' tan-colored sedan on the westbound ramp of Interstate 264 at Newtown Road and stopped him. Francis was taken into custody and was being held without bail at the city jail.

Duane Bourne, (757) 222-5150, duane.bourne@pilotonline.com