Staff Reports
Crazy Jakes restaurant in North Tonawanda has pleaded not guilty to a proceeding by the State Liquor Authority to suspend or revoke their liquor license following a July 7 incident involving a gun allegedly fired on the premises.
SLA spokesman Michael Smith said disciplinary action is pending against the restaurant, which has the right to an administrative legal hearing to dispute the charges.
Manager Mike Parker allegedly fired a legally registered 9mm handgun through a cooler in the establishment’s rear kitchen some three months ago. He was arrested by North Tonawanda police in early September.
“The licensee has pleaded not guilty — that preserves the licensee’s right to a hearing on the charge,” Smith said.
If not resolved by a plea of no contest the matter will go before an administrative law judge, he said, where evidence and testimony may be submitted to contest the merits of the case.
After that, the judge will issue a report to the members of the authority, whom Smith said will still be allowed the final determination on sentencing in the matter.
Parker, 39, 511 74th St., Niagara Falls, has been charged with reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm after police seized a Glock 9mm from his home and ballistics experts matched it to a bullet casing found in the restaurant.
Contact reporter Neale Gulleyat 693-1000, ext. 114.
