In the early hours of August 7, 2025, a dispute that began over a bicycle inside a Saint Paul saloon tragically escalated, ending the life of 43-year-old Jeffrey S. Matson. A White male, Matson was a familiar and friendly face to many in the community, known for his work delivering local newspapers and vending at sporting events.
The fatal encounter occurred at the Midway Saloon on University Avenue, where Matson had brought his bicycle inside, reportedly with the manager's permission.
This action led to an argument with the saloon's bouncer, Davarius L. Clark. The disagreement moved outside, and shortly after midnight, the sound of a single gunshot was heard by Metro Transit officers stationed at a nearby light rail platform. They discovered Matson with a gunshot wound to his chest and abdomen.
Emergency services transported Matson to Regions Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries during surgery. Police officers who arrived at the scene quickly detained three men, including the 31-year-old bouncer, Davarius L. Clark of Minneapolis. Clark admitted to the police that he had shot Matson and officers recovered a pistol from his waistband.
Clark, who possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm, was charged in Ramsey County District Court with two counts of second-degree murder. He told investigators that he worked two jobs and had not had time to drop off his gun before his shift at the saloon, which did not employ armed security. The investigation into the shooting is being handled by the Saint Paul Police Department.
