News

78th ABW commander bans nightclub following death of Airman

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78 ABW/PA
In the wake of the shooting death of an Airman outside of a Warner Robins night club last week, the establishment has been placed off limits to servicemembers.

Col. Carl Buhler, commander of the 78th Air Base Wing, declared LaRouge night club off limits until further notice.

Staff Sgt. Clarence Lee of the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron was shot to death outside the club on Sept. 4, according to news reports. Eldridge Romain LeBlanc, 22, of Gonzales, La., was later arrested and charged with his murder. The shooting reportedly followed an argument between the two.

The order states that servicemembers cannot go into the club or onto its external premises. The order is made in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-213, for the "good order, safety and welfare" of service personnel and is effective immediately. Questions regarding the order should be referred to unit commanders.

The club is located at 627 S. Houston Lake Road in Oasis Plaza, a relatively new shopping center. The shooting happened just minutes before the 2 a.m. closing time of the club, which opened in February.

A memorial service for Sergeant Lee was held Wednesday at the Base Chapel. - Courtesy the 78th Medical Group