Three Sue Over Drake Security

An usher and two fans sued NPB Companies and a security guard they claim the company negligently hired over injuries allegedly suffered when they were tackled by Kenneth Payne at a 2013 Drake concert at Houston’s Toyota Center.

Drew and Angelica Talamantes, and Matilda Padilla of Texas filed the suit in a Houston federal court May 12.

They seek $550,000 in actual damages, plus exemplary damages, and damages for lost earnings, medical expenses, household services, loss of consortium and mental anguish. The Talamanteses were asked to leave the Nov. 13, 2013 concert by Payne, who believed they were intoxicated, according to the complaint. They stopped to ask Padilla, working as an usher, to call a supervisor when Payne, “suddenly and unexpectedly” tackled them to the ground.

In the process, Padilla was also knocked down.

“Payne jumped on top of Drew’s body as he lay on the ground and placed his knee into his chest and neck causing him to have difficulty breathing,” the complaint says. “Payne also jumped on top of Angelica’s body as she lay on the ground and placed his knee into her chest and neck. Angelica attempted to get on her feet (but) Payne pushed her back down to the floor and drug her body by the feet.”

Drew Talamantes lost consciousness, and Angelica Talamantes suffered broken teeth and contusions.

Padilla suffered a concussion and other injuries, the complaint alleges. The trio accuses NPB Companies of negligence, alleging it failed to properly train security personnel in “avoiding escalating confrontations” with the public and removing patrons from a venue, failed to communicate that only Toyota Center’s security company may escort patrons from the venue, and allowed Payne to perform security services without a properly issued license.

Neither the Toyota Center nor Drake is named in the lawsuit.