Hookah lounge, site of shooting, closes

MIDDLETOWN — The owner of the Middletown hookah bar where a 20-year-old New Britain man was shot and killed in the early hours Sunday has voluntarily closed the business for two weeks, a city official said.

Officers responded at 3:49 a.m. Sunday to a report of shots fired at 695 South Main St., and found the victim, later identified as Jonathan Semidey Jr., with a gunshot wound in the parking lot, Chief Erik Costa has said.

Officers initiated medical care, but Semidey died at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, the chief added.

More than 50 white candles were lit near the back door of the business Monday, bearing messages of love and condolences for the victim. Empty bottles of Remy Martin and other liquors, along with a bouquet of red roses, were among the items on a nearby table.

Health Director Kevin Elak confirmed the shutdown Tuesday morning. No health department related complaints have been filed for the business, he said.

The building owner is listed in the assessor’s database as Sunshine Equity LLC of Charlestown, Mass. The health department has Song Chen listed as the principal. However, Hearst Connecticut Media has been unable to contact him for comment.

There have been 38 calls for service at the address, as well as 103 property checks so far this year, Costa said.

State Department of Consumer

Protection Communications Director Kaitlyn Krasselt said her office does not regulate hookah lounges because they are not allowed to hold a liquor license. The law prohibits smoking in liquor establishments, she added.

Other such incidents occurred at the hookah lounge when it was called the Midnight Hookah Lounge and other different ownership.

In the past, neighbors complained about excessive noise and traffic at the lounge. No arrests were made in connection to those complaints and patrons would quiet down when asked by officers, Costa has previously said.

Police are continuing to investigate the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Investigations Unit at 860-6384140.

Cassandra Day/Hearst Connecticut Media A fatal shooting occured early Sunday morning at the Hidden Hookah Lounge in Middletown, during which a 20-year-old New Britain man was killed.