9 people arrested, including security guards, guns and alcohol seized from Bridgeport hookah lounge
Bridgeport CT October 11 2022 Bridgeport police say nine people were charged following an investigation into the illegal sale of narcotics and alcohol at a hookah lounge.
Police arrested the suspects Sunday after an extensive investigation centered around Off Da Hookah on Knowlton Street near Barnum Avenue.
Police say the area has seen an increase in violent crime, including murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and multiple shots fired.
Police say they obtained search warrants for Off Da Hookah, as well as vehicles associated with the business, earlier this month.
Police say while serving the search warrants around 3 a.m. Sunday, they found many people inside and outside the business wearing security uniforms, tactical vests and holstered firearms.
Police say they detained several security guards, patrons, owners and employees.
They say in addition to firearms, police seized several bottles of alcohol, more than $3,500 in cash and one 9mm semi-automatic ghost gun with laser and a high-capacity magazine.
Police say Teofilo Nivar, 45, was in possession of a firearm and charged with offenses stemming from possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and dispensing alcohol without a license. Nivar’s charges include criminal possession of a firearm and illegal sale of alcohol – club/org.
Police say Raul Torres-Santiago, 51, of New Haven, was in possession of a stolen firearm with two high-capacity magazines and a pepper-ball irritant gun, and is charged with offenses stemming from possession of a stolen firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a high-capacity magazine and providing security with said firearm without a license. Torres-Santiago’s charges include criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, armed private security person without a license, carrying a dangerous weapon and stealing a firearm.
Romie Saunders, 31, of Naugatuck, was in possession of a firearm, according to police. They say Saunders has a valid pistol permit, but does not possess a “Blue Card,” which would enable him to be an armed security guard. Police say he’s charged with firearm related offenses stemming from providing security with said firearm without a license. Saunders’ charges include armed private security person without a license and violation of security service license requirements.
Police say Mario Jesus Cruz, 34, of Terryville, was charged with offenses related to dispensing alcohol without a license as well as violations related to running an afterhours establishment. Police say Cruz was also found to have a hard copy warrant out of Orange. His charges include illegal sale of alcohol – club/org and employing an unlicensed security officer.
Police say Ramon Bonaparte, 37, of Bridgeport, was charged with offenses related to dispensing alcohol without a license as well as violations related to running an afterhours establishment. His charges include Illegal Sale of Alcohol – Club/Org and Employing an Unlicensed Security Officer.
Police say Angione Collin, 38, was issued a misdemeanor summons for providing security services without a license.
Police say Marguerita Cora, 39, of New Haven, was issued a misdemeanor summons for providing security services without a license.
Police say Usiel A. Frias-Brito, 24, of Bridgeport, was in possession of a firearm, and charged with offenses stemming from providing security with said firearm without a license.
Police say Darius Luckes, 24, of Bridgeport, was charged with firearms-related offenses stemming from providing security without a license as well as prohibited possession of a large capacity magazine. Police say Luckes was in possession of two firearms, including one with an extended high-capacity magazine. Police say Luckes had a valid pistol permit, but neither of the two firearms were registered to him. He’s charged with illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine and armed private security person without a license.
Luckes reached out to News 12 and claims the guns were registered to him. Luckes adds he did not possess an extended high-capacity magazine.
