El Volcan Owner Describes Chaotic August 2023 Fight, Missing Radio and Baton in Court Testimony

Mariano Rendon, who identified himself on the record as a host and owner-operator at El Volcan, testified in Bexar County court that he intervened during a large fight at the club in the early morning hours of Aug. 20, 2023 and that a security radio and baton were later missing from the scene.

On direct examination, Rendon described routine closing procedures at around 1:45 a.m., when staff collect beer buckets and prepare patrons for last call. He said the club typically staffed more security than the minimum required and aimed to be “the safest place where I could take my wife.” Rendon testified that at about 2 a.m. he saw a “mountain of people” on the dance floor and ran to the pile, physically pushing people off and removing a woman who was “hands on” with a security officer. He said he observed the security officer’s hands moving toward the officer’s holster and placed one knee on a man’s…