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AJ's owner Alan Laird arrested after incident at island strip club
He punched a man who was taking his picture, lawmen say
OKALOOSA ISLAND - Destin businessman Alan Laird has been arrested again, this time on three misdemeanor counts for punching a man with a camera at Club 10.
Laird, 47, owner of AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar and the old Summerhouse building in Wynnhaven Beach, was in the skirmish because he felt the man "was taking his photograph because of his standing in the community," according to his Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office arrest report.
He was charged last week with battery, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
The altercation was June 15 at the island strip club, where alleged victim Phillip Rosetti told sheriff's deputies Laird "attacked him without provocation while he was working inside Club 10" about 5:30 p.m., the report said.
Laird apparently punched Rosetti in the face, damaging his glasses, and then grabbed at his digital camera, knocking it to the ground. He told deputies he suffered property damage of about $350.
Two other club employees provided statements that Laird was attacking and making threats toward Rosetti.
Laird told deputies Rosetti "became violent when he inquired about the camera's film," the report said.
Laird has been charged in the past for assault, battery, resisting officers, disorderly conduct, DUI, theft and criminal mischief.
