The owner of Rockstar Burgers remains in custody in Platte County this week.
Brian Smith
In a story that has attracted media attention across the metro area, Brian Smith, 42, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 5 and charged Friday, Dec. 6 with domestic assault in Platte County.
Rockstar Burgers, located at 1611 Genessee in Kansas City, and its owner have been the focus of a social media campaign to expose alleged sexual assaults and other illegal activities at the restaurant. The Kansas City Police Department raided the restaurant — which is now closed — on Monday, reportedly removing computer equipment. The search included another business on an upper floor of the building.
Smith appeared in Platte County Circuit Court Tuesday, where he was denied bond by judge Quint Shafer. He has pleaded not guilty and said he intends to hire an attorney. Smith is set to appear in court again on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
According to court documents, the Platte County incident occurred on Sunday, Nov. 24 at an apartment in Parkville. A woman who had previously had a relationship with Smith said he entered the apartment and found her in bed with another man. He allegedly struck her in the head with a .40 caliber handgun. She said Smith and another woman left the apartment and she discovered she was bleeding from the head.
While she refused medical help at the time, police photographed her injuries and the victim reported Smith had previously choked her.
The victim said she had not reported the incidents in the past due to fear of Smith. The story has followed a pattern of reports of abusive behavior on social media, including allegations Smith forced a woman to commit a sex act with a dog on video.