Gunshot victim blames Andy & Sophie’s Tavern for causing assailant’s intoxication: lawsuit

The alleged victim of a shooting has brought a lawsuit against a North Hickory Street bar instead of the sexual predator who has been charged with trying to kill him.

On Thursday, Elier Trujillo filed a lawsuit against Andy & Sophie’s Tavern, 931 N. Hickory St., which seeks $70,000 in damages. Joliet police said that Trujillo suffered gunshot wounds to his torso after he was shot by Matthew P. Ramones, 36, of Plainfield on Jan. 31 outside the bar.

Trujillo’s attorney Robert Lewin said his client was hospitalized for a long time after the shooting and he almost died.

“He suffered substantial injuries,” Lewin said.

When asked why Trujillo was suing the bar instead of Ramones, Lewin said it was because Ramones “has no money.”

Ramones has been in the Will County jail since March 2 after he was arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon by felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the shooting of Trujillo.

Ramones has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Illinois Sex Offender Registry lists Ramones as a sexual predator.

Trujillo’s lawsuit alleged that on Jan. 31, Andy & Sophie’s Tavern either sold or gave Ramones “alcoholic and intoxicating liquors.”

The lawsuit alleged that as a “direct and proximate result” of Ramones’ intoxication, he caused “serious and grievous bodily harm” to Trujillo.

Andy & Sophie’s owner Patrick Walsh said no one in the incident showed any sign of intoxication and it was a deliberate attack.

“We don’t know what provoked it. It had nothing to do with Andy & Sophie’s,” Walsh said.

He said the incident took place outside the bar, and based on the evidence and information he’s received, Trujillo’s lawsuit has no merit.

Walsh said if Trujillo wants to seek damages, he should seek recourse from the person who caused his injuries.

“It’s unfortunate he got shot. I’m glad he survived but we had nothing to do with it,” Walsh said.