1 killed, 1 wounded in shooting outside S. Hadley strip club

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - One man is dead, and another man was wounded following a shooting outside a South Hadley strip club early Friday morning.

Mary Carey from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office told 22News that one man was killed in the shooting outside Anthony’s Gentlemen’s Club on New Ludlow Road just before 2:00 A.M. He was taken to Holyoke Medical Center, where he died.

The second gunshot victim is expected to survive.

First Assistant DA Steven Gagne says that the shooting does not appear to be a threat to the safety of people in the community.

"Although the investigation into this incident continues, it appears this was not a random act of violence, and there is no cause for public alarm,” Gagne said.

There was no additional information available about any possible suspect.

The owner of a used car dealer located right next to the club told 22News that he was shocked to see something so violent happen there.

"I'm surprised, because I've never seen anything like that," said Steve Moran, owner of Riverside Motors. "They are good neighbors. I think it is a fluke, I assume."

"It's a real good town, very few incidents of any crime, the police are excellent and these folks are good neighbors and I think it was a fluke. I'm sorry someone's life was taken."

Business at the club was back to normal by Friday afternoon. One bartender who has worked at Anthony's for 15 years told 22News that the doors of the club at closed 1:45 A.M. She says those who worked last night didn't hear gunshots, and weren't alerted to the shooting until after it happened.  There are metal detectors inside the club.

The last time a violent crime occurred near Anthony's was back in July of 2009, when a woman was mugged around 2:00 A.M. Her purse was stolen with an undetermined amount of cash

Carey says that Friday morning's shooting is being investigated by South Hadley Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s office is providing all public information in this case.

If you have any information, you are urged to call South Hadley Police (413) 538-8231 extension 306, or Mass. State Police in Northampton at (413) 587-5517.  You may also send an anonymous tip by texting "PROTECT" and your message to 274637.