Man Sought in Assault at Adult Nightclub

Detectives were searching Friday for a Reseda man they believe hit another man in the head with a pipe, critically injuring him, during a brawl the night before at an adult nightclub.

The fight occurred at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Showgirls, 7238 Reseda Blvd. Police said Wayne Agnello, 23, is wanted on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly struck Michael William Trama, 28, of Canoga Park on the head with a 3-foot pipe.

Trama, who was in the club with his friend, Christopher Burns, 21, became angry because Agnello was paying too much attention and giving tips to Trama’s girlfriend, a bikini-clad exotic dancer at the club, said Los Angeles Police Det. Rick Swanston.

Trama, Agnello and Burns began arguing and Agnello allegedly pulled a knife on Burns, who ducked and punched Agnello in the face, knocking him to the ground, authorities said.

Agnello left Showgirls, but later returned with a pipe and allegedly swung it at Burns, who again ducked. The pipe struck Trama in the head, fracturing his skull, Swanston said.

Trama was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, Swanston said. Trama is believed to have suffered some brain damage.

Showgirls was shut down for a night in August following a raid. A dozen state, city and county officials cited the nightclub for numerous illegal activities.

Police made several arrests including one for suspicion of lewd conduct and two for suspicion of drug possession. Alcoholic Beverage Control issued 15 violations to the owner for serving alcohol while dancers simulated sex acts, and the state Board of Equalization levied nearly $35,000 in fines for the owner’s failure to provide workers’ compensation.

Neighbors and local business owners had protested at the nightclub twice a month earlier in the year and Councilwoman Laura Chick, who said she had received numerous complaints about the establishment, had requested the enforcement effort.