White v. Stop Shop Holdings, Inc., No. Cv92-0041226s (Mar. 28, 1996)

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This case is unpublished as indicated by the issuing court.]MEMORANDUM OF DECISION This is an action by the plaintiff Sandra L. White and Robert E. White, Jr. against Stop Shop Holdings, Inc. doing business in Shelton, Connecticut. The action on behalf of Robert White, Jr. was withdrawn from this action. Shelton Square Limited Partnership was impleaded but the action was withdrawn against said party. The remaining action exists between the plaintiff Sandra L. White and Stop Shop Holdings, Inc.

The plaintiff was assaulted by a John Doe while exiting the premises of Stop Shop and received severe injuries. The plaintiff complains that Stop Shop should have known that the exit and entrance facilities were extremely dangerous and without security. However, the lease from Shelton Square Limited Partnership to Stop Shop Holdings, Inc. indicates that the lessor assumes all responsibility for security. Notwithstanding this lease, the plaintiff seeks damages against Stop Shop and claims that they were compelled to provide additional security.

There are fifteen other stores located in the same shopping center all with the same lease provision.

The court fails to observe any overt act on behalf of Stop Shop that created the situation. This was a spontaneous assault without the knowledge of Stop Shop Holdings, Inc. The court fails to see that Stop Shop initiated any action or created a condition that would make them liable. Security was provided to the shopping center by the lessor; therefore, the court finds for the defendant Shop Shop Holdings, Inc. with costs.

BY THE COURT,

Philip E. Mancini, Jr., Judge