SPRINGFIELD, MA — Why 24-year-old Macrus J. Blanton decided to emerge from the Club 418 bathroom with guns blazing is unknown, but the fact he managed to kill one man and injure five others is unquestionable.Local authorities became aware of the early morning strip club violence not from a 9-1-1 call but due to a mass of panic stricken customers escaping from the building and into the surrounding area. A State Police community action team was patrolling the area near Club 418 when the outpouring of humanity was noticed by troopers.
Springfield Police Lieutenant John Bobianski informed the press that Blanton was apprehended shortly thereafter, having tossed his firearm aside as officers approached him.
Blanton has been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old Springfield man pronounced dead after arriving at Baystate Medical Center, as well as assault with a dangerous weapon and other crimes.
Police do not know what inspired Blanton to emerge from the bathroom at about 1:30 am and begin firing within the tiny club, which is open from noon until 2:00 am. In addition to shooting a number of customers, Blanton used a knife to stab another. A local news channel reports that Club 418 is on probation with the risk of losing its liquor license due to failure to report a previous fight between two dancers.
