Victim of brutal attack may not walk for a year
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 19:27 Written by William Loschiavo Friday, 29 January 2010 15:03
It has been just over a month since 23-year old Jesse Allard’s life changed for the worst while visiting family members in New Jersey. It all happened just outside of Butler’s Trackside Bar & Grill. Butler is a town that the Bedell side of his family was raised in. And it was there that his entire future came to an abrupt halt. He says he was dragged outside, beat up and run over
by a Jeep.
In the days before the attack, he was planning a move to Colorado with his long-time boyfriend in January, and experiencing heartburn since earlier in the evening. Allard says he had no intention of causing trouble or hooking up at the Trackside Bar and Grill. Nonetheless, a compliment he made to another bar patron, who had been expressing dislike towards Allard throughout the night, seems to be what left Allard bruised from head to toe. He says every ligament is torn in his legs.
Right now, Allard says the investigation into what he claims is a gay bias attack is at a standstill. “The driver of the car was arrested but is out on bail."
A wide array of other charges have been filed. Beyond that, no additional arrests have been made. The county prosecutor’s office and detective Colleen Pascale are still working on the case, interviewing relentlessly and hoping to get as much information as possible. They are trying to cross all their T’s and dot all there I’s to make sure the case " ...cannot get passed anybody.”
An off-duty police officer refused to assist Allard on he night of the attack. An investigation later discovered that he was not a Butler police officer. He is however a friend of the attackers and a Riverdale police officer - just a town over from Butler. The discovery points more fingers toward alleged attacker and owner Scott Gabriel, who also owns the Tiled Kilt – another small town bar located in Little Falls. Judging from the comments of various bloggers and anonymous individuals, it appears as though this was not the first time an attack took place involving Gabriel and his cronies.
Allard's second surgery is scheduled for February 6th. There is expected to be a six-week recovery process between each surgery. Lawyer Edward Azar is working hard to try and receive medical coverage for the uninsured Jesse Allard.
“So far it appears as though the Victims of Crime Compensation Office may be assisting Allard financially with his surgery and prescriptions. However, a solid response has yet to be received, ” says his lawyer.
Allard says he cannot walk and probably will not be able to walk sufficiently for approximately one year. He says because of the medication he is on, he often feels run down and nauseated. He experiences vivid nightmares frequently, and his entire future is now uncertain.
While Allard is waiting in the wings, he is hoping that the media coverage expands. “If my story can stop these attacks, inform the public, and save the lives of other LGBT individuals, then all the pain and suffering will have been worth it.”
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If that scum, Gabriel, owns two bars he can afford to give one up to pay Jesse's expenses. Ideally, a civil action should be started so, in the event of a victory (in civil court,) the bar can be seized to pay a judgement.
Finally, people in the northern NJ gay community should find-out when the liquor license of the Trackside Bar & Grill comes-up for renewal. The hearing should be flooded with protestors, and/or picketed, with people demanding the license not be renewed. Sadly, the Borough of Butler will hold the hearing and have the say on renewal.