“Bouncer to the stars” killed in police shootout
CYPRESS HILLS - A bouncer at a nightclub who had previously worked as a bodyguard for several major celebrities is dead after a shootout with police during a barrrom brawl over the weekend.
Officers from the 75th Precinct responded to the Norwood Palace nightclub on the 3100 block of Fulton Street, between Hale and Logan Avenues, at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning for a report of a disturbance. The melee reportedly began over a spilled drink before escalating into an old-fashioned “Wild West” type brawl.
Witnesses told police that patrons were striking each other with bar stools, chairs, and other objects before gunshots rang out. Two plainclothes officers were in the area at the time of the brawl; upon their arrival, Donovan Wilson, 19, allegedly fired a gun at a bouncer wearing a bulletproof vest, according to NYPD officials. After identifiying themselves, officers fired their guns at Wilson after he reportedly failed to comply with orders to drop the gun.
After hearing additional gunfire inside the bar, officers reportedly spotted Kevin White (pictured), 43, holding a gun. White allegedly refused to drop the firearm after repeated orders and was subsequently shot in the neck. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
White’s family disputed the NYPD’s version of events, according to the New York Post. “My brother would never carry a gun,” White’s brother told the Post.
Police sources, however, told The Post that video surveillance reportedly shows White shooting at officers. Officers also reportedly recovered three firearms from the scene.
White, who had five prior arrests for weapons possession, had previously served as a bodyguard for such celebrities such as Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, and Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs.
The officers, who have not been identified, are on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Wilson, who was reported to have been in stable condition, is expected to face charges pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
It is not immediately known as to whether or not the NYPD or the New York State Liquor Authority had recieved any complaints about Norwood Palace in the past. It is also not clear if any other patrons were injured in the melee.
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