Deadly Shooting Outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen in Lakeland Leaves One Man Dead, Another Injured After Heated Altercation Escalates Into Gunfire; Police Investigating Self-Defense Claims and Firearm Involvement
LAKELAND, FL – A Thursday night confrontation turned deadly outside a Lakeland restaurant, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured in what police describe as a rapidly escalating incident involving multiple individuals and a firearm. The shooting occurred on April 24, 2025, around 9:31 p.m., in front of Cali Rose 15 Kitchen, a recently renamed establishment formerly known as Rush Hour Bar & Grill, located at 1323 Ariana Street.
When Lakeland Police Department officers arrived on the scene in response to reports of gunfire, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds near the restaurant’s front entrance. The victims were quickly identified as Jesse Banks, 28, of Lakeland, and Nicholas Lue, 26, of West Palm Beach.
Both men were rushed to Lakeland Regional Health for emergency treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts by medical staff, Banks was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Lue was stabilized and remains hospitalized, where he is currently recovering from his injuries.
Altercation Sparks Violence
According to preliminary findings from police interviews and physical evidence at the scene, the violent encounter began as a verbal altercation involving Banks, Lue, and another individual, Tre D’Shon Huntly, 24, of Lakeland. Witnesses told police the argument started just outside the restaurant’s front entrance.
The situation quickly escalated when Jesse Banks allegedly struck Huntly in the head during the confrontation. At that moment, a second individual—described as a male standing inside the restaurant—opened the front door in what appeared to be an attempt to defend Huntly.
That action reportedly triggered an even more dangerous turn: Banks and Lue allegedly turned their aggression toward this second man. According to the Lakeland Police Department, both men produced a firearm and pointed it at the individual, who responded by firing at them.
The second man, believed to have acted in self-defense, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. No charges have been filed against him at this time, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Community in Shock
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community. Cali Rose 15 Kitchen, which had recently undergone a rebranding, was busy at the time of the incident, and many patrons inside the restaurant were stunned as the chaos unfolded outside.
“I heard yelling and then gunshots—people screamed and started ducking,” said one diner who requested anonymity. “It was surreal. You come out for a meal and end up witnessing a tragedy.”
The restaurant closed temporarily as detectives secured the area, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed witnesses. A heavy police presence remained at the scene late into the night.
Investigation Ongoing
Police say the case remains active and urge anyone with further information or video footage to come forward. No arrests have been made as of yet, and the shooting is being thoroughly reviewed to determine whether additional charges will be filed.
“Our detectives are working diligently to piece together the full sequence of events,” said a spokesperson for the Lakeland Police Department. “We are committed to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation for all parties involved.”
The department has also reiterated its commitment to addressing escalating violence in the community and is encouraging residents to find nonviolent ways to resolve disputes.
As the investigation unfolds, Jesse Banks’ family is now mourning the loss of a young man whose life was cut short, while loved ones of Nicholas Lue await further updates on his condition. Police are expected to release additional findings in the coming days.
For official updates, follow the Lakeland Police Department’s social media or local news sources. Anyone with tips related to the case is asked to contact LPD directly or submit anonymous information through Heartland Crime Stoppers.
