Longmont, Colorado — A mother and daughter were violently attacked in a hotel room after a man gained access to them using a key mistakenly issued by the front desk, according to a civil lawsuit stemming from the incident. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights concerns about hotel security as a jury awarded the victims over $4 million in damages.
On January 3, 2023, Carol Gonzales and her daughter were staying at the Econo Lodge. Unbeknownst to them, Cody Czichos, a man not registered at the hotel, had asked for and received a key card to their room without proper identification. The incident escalated when Czichos entered the room and physically assaulted Gonzales, who was 69 at the time.
After the initial attack, Gonzales called 911. Following this, she was moved to another room while her daughter, then 38, was left alone and asleep in their room. Czichos later returned with a knife, re-entered the room, and brutally attacked Gonzales’ daughter, inflicting severe injuries. Both women survived the assault, but the trauma was profound.
The jury’s decision to award the victims more than $4 million was viewed by their attorney, Matthey Haltzman, as a strong message about the consequences of the Econo Lodge’s negligence. “Justice was served,” he stated, expressing hope that the verdict would resonate throughout the hospitality industry regarding the importance of guest safety.
Premiere Hospitality Inc., the company that operates the Econo Lodge, has thus far declined to comment on the court ruling. While the hotel’s legal team argued that Gonzales and her daughter should have taken more precautions to ensure their safety, experts note that hotel staff are trained to follow protocols meant to prevent such incidents.
Similar attacks have occurred in hotels across the United States, adding to public concern about safety in these establishments. Notably, a jury in California awarded $3.5 million in a 2017 case after a woman was raped at a Holiday Inn Express due to inadequate identification checks.
The Longmont Econo Lodge has a troubling history, with local law enforcement responding to 173 calls for various disturbances, including drug activity and violence, in the year prior to the assault on Gonzales and her daughter.
In light of this case, public safety experts recommend that hotel guests take proactive measures to protect themselves. Sal Caccavale, a security consultant, advises travelers not to rely entirely on hotel security systems. He emphasizes the importance of treating hotel safety with the same seriousness as home security, suggesting that individuals should always ensure their room doors are locked and secure.
Moreover, Caccavale offers additional safety tips for travelers, such as checking for any uninvited guests upon entering a hotel room and ensuring that all locks are fully operational. He also encourages guests to be vigilant about their surroundings and to choose hotels that prioritize guest safety.
As the travel season approaches, concerns about hotel safety remain salient. This incident serves as a stark reminder for travelers to remain cautious and informed about their accommodations.
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