SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — It’s been several days since a shooting at a South Scranton bar left two people injured, and tonight, questions remain about what led up to the violence and what happens next.
The investigation into a late-night shooting at Big Daddy’s Bar in South Scranton remains active.
Authorities say two people were injured in the gunfire late Friday night, but both are expected to survive. Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher says charges are expected to be filed against two individuals.
In a statement to FOX56, Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll says the department is continuing to investigate.
“The Scranton Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting incident at Big Daddy’s bar that occurred over the weekend. SPD will not release incident details while the investigation is active, but it is important to note that this was not a random act of violence. SPD will provide updates when the investigation permits. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact city detectives at 570-348-4139 or via our tip line https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/scrantonpa.gov .”
While police have not released details about what led up to the shooting, nearby business owners say the incident is part of a larger, ongoing concern.
Just across the street, Jeff Labrosky, owner of Labrosky Auto, says hearing about the shooting immediately made him worry about his own property.
“When I heard about it, my first thing was to come down and check the garage to make sure it was alright, that I didn’t get a bullet in my side or something. You never know. That was my first thought, to come and check the building,” said Labrosky.
Labrosky says the location has a long history, dating back to when the building operated under different names, and believes the issues have continued over the years.
Before becoming Big Daddy’s Bar, the location operated as Finn McCool’s, which was tied to past incidents of violence, including a deadly shooting in 2011.
Labrosky says beyond the violence, ongoing issues in the area impact both businesses and residents.
“I feel it hurts the businesses around here and the neighborhood. Nobody wants to live where there’s gunshots. We’re supposed to live in a safe area,” said Labrosky.
Labrosky also voiced dissatisfaction with the mayor, saying the city hasn’t done enough to address repeated problems at the property. He adds that quality-of-life concerns have also been a problem.
“You see code enforcement down here all the time. It’s the same stuff. The poor garbage men, they got to pick up the garbage off the street because they don’t even use bags it’s just not fair to the people that live around here and who have businesses around here,” said Labrosky.
Despite those concerns, there is no official designation labeling the bar as a nuisance property.
Under Pennsylvania law, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board can cite establishments for violations like serving minors, after-hours sales, or disorderly operations. Municipalities can also pursue nuisance status, but that typically requires repeated police calls, documented disturbances, and formal hearings or court action.
FOX56 reached out to Big Daddy’s Bar multiple times for comment but did not receive a response.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact city detectives at 570-348-4139 or via our tip line https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/scrantonpa.gov