Man allegedly stabbed by Kroger security guard files lawsuit seeking $1 million
Louisville KY January 8 2020 A man who was allegedly stabbed by a security guard at a Kroger off Dixie Highway on New Year’s Eve has filed a lawsuit against the guard and company that seeks $1 million for “pain and suffering” and damages resulting from the attack.
Jason Ashley’s lawsuit was filed Monday in Jefferson Circuit Court against the security guard, John Griggs, as well as Kroger and a female “Jane Doe” employee.
Griggs, 63, has been charged with second-degree assault in connection with the Dec. 31 incident at the Kroger at 4915 Dixie Highway.
As The Courier Journal previously reported, Louisville Metro Police officers had responded about 9:10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to the Kroger on a reported stabbing.
An arrest citation and Ashley’s lawsuit explain how Ashley entered the store to use its Coinstar machine.
The lawsuit states that a female employee, referred to in the lawsuit as “Jane Doe,” told Ashley the store was closing at 9 p.m. due to the holiday.
Ashley “politely informed” the employee that it was not yet 9 p.m. and added that he only intended to use the nearby Coinstar machine and would be finished prior to the store closing, according to complaint.
But the lawsuit claims that Griggs appeared suddenly and told Ashley, “You’re not going through me.”
Security footage then captured a “heated verbal exchange,” and when Ashley turned to leave the store, Griggs continued the “verbal conflict” before Ashley was seen turning back to “reengage in the argument,” according to the arrest citation.
The video then shows Griggs grabbing the victim by the neck, according to the arrest citation.
During an ensuing fight, Griggs took out his pocket knife and stabbed Ashley once in the back, according to police. The lawsuit also claims that Ashley was slashed across his face and ear.
Ashley suffered a cut to his ear after his earring was knocked out during the fight, the arrest citation said.
According to the lawsuit, the Kroger employee referred to as Jane Doe also rammed a shopping cart into Ashley’s back during the attack.
After the attack, another unknown Kroger employee who was believed to be a manager approached Ashley, according to the suit.
When Ashley told the male employee he was assaulted by Griggs and the other employee and required medical assistance, the lawsuit states that the male employee told Ashley he did not need medical help and attempted to usher Ashley out of the store as quickly as possible.
Ashley then called 911, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit, among other claims, accuses Kroger of negligence in its hiring and training of Griggs, noting that court records show Griggs “has a history of physical violence, menacing with a knife and terroristic threatening.”
The lawsuit is seeking $500,000 for pain and suffering and $500,000 for punitive damages.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Kroger said the Cincinnati-based corporation does not comment on pending litigation and is referring all inquiries to LMPD.
“The safety and security of our customers and our associates is our top priority and we would like to thank LMPD for their quick response,” Kroger spokeswoman Erin Grant said.
Griggs remains held in Louisville Metro Corrections in lieu of $50,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Jefferson District Court Friday for a preliminary hearing.
Courier Journal
