Saint Paul, Minnesota — A tragic altercation outside a downtown Saint Paul bar has resulted in the death of a 37-year-old man, who succumbed to a severe brain injury days after being struck by a security guard. Authorities have confirmed that the security guard involved has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal incident, which has left the community shaken and raised serious questions about the use of force by private security personnel.
The Incident
The confrontation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, September 28, 2025, outside a popular bar located on West 7th Street, a busy nightlife district in Saint Paul. According to police, officers were dispatched to the scene around 1:45 a.m. after reports of a physical altercation involving a bar patron and a security guard.
When emergency responders arrived, they found the victim — identified as Michael “Mike” Larson, a lifelong Saint Paul resident — unconscious and unresponsive on the sidewalk. Witnesses reported that Larson had been punched in the face by a security guard following a verbal dispute, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the concrete.
Paramedics immediately rendered aid before rushing him to Regions Hospital, where doctors determined he had sustained a traumatic brain injury. Despite intensive medical efforts, Larson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead two days later.
Security Guard Arrested
The suspect, identified as Derrick Jameson, 32, was taken into custody by Saint Paul police following the incident. Jameson, who was working as a contracted security guard for the bar, was initially detained for questioning and later booked into the Ramsey County Jail on charges of second-degree manslaughter.
Police say surveillance footage from the bar and nearby businesses clearly shows the moment the altercation turned violent. According to investigators, the video captures Larson being escorted outside the establishment after a verbal disagreement with staff, at which point Jameson allegedly shoved and then punched him once in the jaw. The single blow caused Larson to lose balance and fall backward, striking his head with force.
Saint Paul Police spokesperson Sgt. Mike Ernster confirmed that the department’s homicide unit is leading the investigation.
“This was a senseless act of violence that resulted in a man losing his life,” Ernster said. “We are reviewing all evidence, including video footage, witness statements, and security protocols, to ensure that justice is served.”
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses told investigators that Larson did not appear to be physically aggressive before the fatal punch. One bystander said Larson had been “upset and arguing” with bar staff but was “not threatening anyone.”
“He was just talking loudly, maybe a bit drunk, but he wasn’t attacking anyone,” said Amanda Taylor, who was standing nearby when the incident occurred. “The guard just hit him once, and he went down hard. Everyone gasped — it was awful.”
Others at the scene described a chaotic aftermath, as bar patrons and staff rushed to assist the fallen man while waiting for first responders.
Family Devastated by Loss
The victim’s family described Larson as a kind-hearted and hardworking man who loved his community and his family deeply. His sister, Rachel Larson, spoke through tears during a press conference on Monday, demanding accountability and justice for her brother’s death.
“My brother didn’t deserve to die like this — over something so small,” she said. “He was out having a good time with friends, and now he’s gone. We want answers. We want this man held responsible.”
Family members also questioned the bar’s decision to employ security personnel who, according to them, were “poorly trained and too quick to resort to violence.”
“If you’re going to have people handling security, they need to know how to de-escalate — not throw punches,” Rachel added.
Bar and Security Company Under Scrutiny
Authorities confirmed that the bar is cooperating with investigators. However, both the establishment and the private security firm that employed Jameson are now under review.
City officials stated that the Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections will examine whether the bar violated any local licensing regulations or failed to ensure that contracted security staff were properly trained and certified.
“We’re committed to ensuring all establishments adhere to safety protocols,” a city spokesperson said. “This incident underscores the importance of proper training, oversight, and restraint when managing confrontations.”
The security company, which has not yet been publicly named, declined to comment pending legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings
As of Tuesday, Ramsey County prosecutors have filed formal charges against Derrick Jameson for second-degree manslaughter and criminal negligence resulting in death. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a substantial fine.
Prosecutors allege that Jameson’s actions were “reckless and unjustified,” noting that Larson posed no immediate threat at the time of the assault. Court documents reveal that Jameson has prior complaints of excessive force from previous employment in private security, though none resulted in convictions.
Jameson’s defense attorney, Mark Heller, issued a brief statement claiming his client acted in “self-defense and in accordance with his duties.”
“Mr. Jameson deeply regrets the outcome, but he maintains that he believed the situation was escalating and acted to protect himself and others,” Heller said.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about security violence and accountability in Saint Paul’s bar scene. Local activists and community leaders are calling for reforms that require stricter oversight of private security operations and mandatory de-escalation training for guards working in nightlife venues.
A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening near the site of the altercation, where dozens of friends, family members, and community supporters gathered to honor Larson’s memory. Attendees lit candles, laid flowers, and shared stories about his life.
“This could have been anyone’s brother, son, or friend,” said Pastor Jeremy Collins of New Hope Church. “We cannot allow these kinds of preventable deaths to continue. There must be change.”
Ongoing Investigation
Saint Paul police confirmed that the case remains active and that they are reviewing additional evidence, including bar security logs and prior incident reports involving the suspect. The medical examiner’s office determined Larson’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head consistent with a fall following an assault.
Authorities expect further updates in the coming weeks as prosecutors consider whether additional charges will be filed against the security company or the bar.
A City Demands Justice
As the investigation continues, the city of Saint Paul mourns another tragic loss of life stemming from an incident that many believe could have been avoided. The case has reignited public calls for reform in how nightlife venues manage safety, emphasizing compassion and restraint over confrontation.
“Mike should still be here,” said his mother, Janet Larson, during the vigil. “We can’t change what happened to him, but we can make sure no one else’s child dies this way. That’s what justice means to us.”
The community now waits for justice to unfold — and for lessons to be learned from a tragedy that has left a deep scar on Saint Paul’s heart.
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