Police drop case against man they shot at Inflation nightclub
POLICE have dropped a case against a man who they shot in the back at a King St nightclub while he was engaged in a sex act while dressed as comic book villain the Joker.
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POLICE have dropped a case against a man who they shot in the back at a King St nightclub while he was engaged in a sex act while dressed as comic book villain the Joker.
Dale Ewins and Zita Sukys were shot by members of the Victoria Police Critical Incident Response Team during a party at Inflation Nightclub shortly after 3am on July 8 last year.
After the incident police said they shot Mr Ewins when they stormed the nightclub after receiving reports of an armed man at the venue.
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But a police investigation spanning almost 12 months has now found Mr Ewins did not do anything wrong.
Several witnesses have disputed the police version and said Mr Ewins was not holding the replica gun at the time.
Last night a Victoria Police spokeswoman told the Herald Sun Mr Ewins would not face any charges.
“Victoria Police has completed its investigation into an incident at a nightclub on King Street on June 8, 2017,” the police spokeswoman said.
“Following a thorough investigation, and in consultation with the OPP, a decision has been made not to charge a 36-year-old Surf Beach man.
“As the civil matter is currently before the court, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Two police officers opened fire on the couple at Inflation.
Management at the nightclub have been highly critical of police actions on the night.
Mr Ewins and Ms Sukys went to the Saints and Sinners get-together dressed as comic book characters the Joker and Harley Quinn.
Mr Ewins was in a compromising position with Ms Sukys when police rushed in.
Ms Sukys was shot in the right thigh and right knee, while Mr Ewins was shot twice in the back.
Law firm Arnold Thomas & Becker has launched a civil action on behalf of Mr Ewins and Ms Sukys.
Kim Price, partner at the firm, said: “These are the most significant police shooting compensation claims in the history of the state of Victoria.”
Mr Ewins has had half his bowel removed and had to undergo shoulder reconstruction surgery.