May 21, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

PRESS RELEASE - HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

On 5/21/23 at approximately 0349 hours Middletown Police responded to the report of a shooting in the parking lot of Hidden Hookah Lounge (695 South Main Street).  Upon arrival patrol officers located one male victim in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound.  Officers immediately performed life saving measures on the victim and were soon assisted by medical personnel.  The victim, a 20 year old male residing in New Britain, was transported to Middlesex Hospital by ambulance and was later pronounced deceased.  At this time the identity of the victim is not being released as investigators work to make family notifications.  

This incident occurred at the closing of the establishment for the evening and it is believed that there were numerous people in the parking lot at the time this incident occurred.  Evidence of multiple rounds fired was discovered however at this time no witnesses have been located.

Anyone with any information regarding this homicide, or anyone with videos or photos from inside or outside of Hidden Hookah from the night in question is encouraged to contact Detective Dane Semper (860 638 4145, DSemper@MiddletownCTPolice.com) or the Major Investigations Unit (860 638 4140).