Man sues Motel 6 after parking lot assault

Although the motel's slogan is "We'll leave the light on for you," Randel Schoenberg claims he was mugged in a Beaumont Motel 6 parking lot because thieves were "hiding in the (motel's) inadequately lighted parking lot."

On March 27, 2008, Schoenberg filed a pro se suit against (Ganesh Inc.) Motel 6 in the Jefferson County District Court, alleging the motel negligently failed to provide adequate security measures for its guest and light the lot.

According to the plaintiff's petition, on March 28, 2006, around 1:30 a.m., Schoenberg, 44, was returning to the room he had rented at the Motel 6 in Beaumont. As he was getting out of his truck, a lone male approached him and demanded his wallet.

"Schoenberg refused to give his wallet to the man," the suit said. "(He) was then jumped by several other males, who were hiding in the inadequately lighted parking lot, and brutally beaten� Plaintiff surrendered his wallet and then the attackers fled the scene by jumping the fence. Plaintiff slowly made his way to the front entrance of the Motel 6 to request medical assistance."

Schoenberg was staying at the motel while performing a job for his out-of-town employer, the suit said.

"On the occasion in question, Defendant was negligent by virtue of its own conduct and by virtue of the conduct of its employees," the suit says.

Allegedly, Motel 6 failed to provide adequate security measures for its guests and lighting in the parking lot. The suit also says the motel should have known about the criminal activity being carried out on its premises.

Schoenberg is suing for punitive and exemplary damages, plus past and future pain, mental anguish, lost earnings, impairment, disfigurement and medical expenses.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. E181-495