A New Jersey man is suing a Primanti Brothers restaurant near Penn State University, claiming security guards assaulted him and his son in February 2024. The lawsuit alleges excessive force and inadequate training of the security personnel, leading to serious injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery. The restaurant's corporate office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Updated: Jan. 05, 2026, 5:14 p.m. A New Jersey man has filed a federal lawsuit against a restaurant-bar located near Penn State University's campus, claiming he was the victim of a brutal assault by security personnel last year. The incident, which allegedly occurred on February 24, 2024, involved Scott Somers and his son at the Primanti Brothers establishment situated on Hiester Street in State College .
According to the lawsuit, the altercation began when security guards, identified by their uniforms emblazoned with the word “SECURITY,” confronted Somers' son. When Somers attempted to intervene and understand the situation, he alleges that the security guards immediately turned on him, escalating the situation dramatically.\Somers' account paints a picture of excessive force and a complete disregard for de-escalation tactics. He claims the security guards “violently and forcefully” grabbed and restrained both him and his son. The lawsuit further details how Somers was then dragged outside the premises, where five security guards allegedly subjected him to a chokehold and a headlock. As a result of this alleged assault, the Newton resident, who is in his 50s, claims to have sustained severe injuries that necessitated spinal fusion surgery. Somers asserts that neither he nor his son engaged in any unlawful behavior or initiated any physical contact with the security personnel prior to the alleged attack. He maintains that the actions of the security guards were entirely unwarranted and without provocation. The lawsuit strongly criticizes the training, or lack thereof, of the security personnel, alleging that they failed to employ any de-escalation techniques before resorting to physical force. Somers further states that he continues to accumulate significant medical expenses as a direct consequence of the injuries he suffered during the alleged assault, highlighting the long-term impact of the incident on his well-being. The legal filing does not explicitly mention any specific injuries sustained by Somers' son.\The core of Somers' legal claim rests on the assertion that the security guards' actions were excessive, unwarranted, and indicative of inadequate training. The lawsuit aims to hold the restaurant-bar responsible for the alleged misconduct of its security staff and to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages Somers has suffered. The failure of the security personnel to de-escalate the situation, coupled with the alleged use of excessive force, forms the crux of the legal argument. The lack of a response from the Primanti Brothers corporate office, a Pittsburgh-based sandwich chain, further emphasizes the gravity of the allegations. The legal proceedings are anticipated to delve into the details of the incident, examining witness testimonies, security footage (if available), and the training protocols of the security staff. This case raises critical questions regarding the standards of security practices and the accountability of businesses for the actions of their employees. The resolution of this lawsuit has the potential to impact the way security protocols are implemented in similar establishments, especially those near university campuses where large crowds and potential for conflict are commonplace. The focus will be on the evidence presented and the legal arguments made by both sides to determine the extent of liability and the appropriate remedy, if any. Jeff Goldman, a breaking and local news reporter for NJ Advance Media, has been following this story and previously worked in sports reporting
Assault Lawsuit Primanti Brothers Security Guards Penn State Excessive Force Personal Injury State College Legal Action
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Capture of Venezuelan president sparks protests across New JerseyProtesters in Highland Park and Tom's River took to the streets, advocating against a potential military conflict between the United States and Venezuela.
Read more »
Brewers prospect Frank Cairone hospitalized after serious New Jersey car crashThe 18-year-old was selected by Milwaukee in the second round (68th overall) this past July.
Read more »
Hudson County New Jersey Lottery player wins $3 million 'Win for Life' prizeA New Jersey Lottery player in Hudson County is starting the year with a multimillion-dollar win after hitting the top prize in a Win for Life scratch-off game.
Read more »
Figure skater Alysa Liu makes improbable comeback with new rules, new style and a new approachShe surprised the figure skating world at 13 when she won the U.S. Championships, then shocked again when she retired at 16. Now Alysa Liu is making a comeback heading into the Winter Olympics.
Read more »
Car smashes hole into side of Elizabeth High School in New JerseyThe car crashed into the building at Bridge and Pearl Streets in Elizabeth around 8:28 a.m. on Monday.
Read more »
New Jersey High School Boys Basketball: Games to Watch This WeekA preview of exciting high school boys basketball matchups in New Jersey, including games featuring Rumson-Fair Haven, Montgomery, Rutgers Prep, Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic, Chatham, Delbarton, Paul VI, and St. Mary.
Read more »