Anthony Yates
A missing person’s case led to multiple arrests at a bar in Indiana after authorities discovered the establishment was selling alcohol to underage customers.
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According to a news release by the Hammond Police Department, officers began investigating a potential missing person incident on August 8. They found “clothing and personal effects” on a sidewalk along East Charles Street and North Holly Street. Authorities reveal that the items belonged to 18-year-old Richard Clementi. Officers found him sleeping in the sanctuary of the First Christian Church nearby.
Clementi told authorities he visited the Brown Door Bar on North Cate Street the previous night. He claimed he was able to purchase alcohol directly from bar staff. The police department reportedly executed a search warrant at the establishment, which uncovered video footage of what occurred during the night.
Authorities Counted Over 100 Alcohol Sales To Underage Customers
The news release explains that detectives reviewed security footage, which revealed “a large number of sales of alcohol.” Authorities believe the bar sold 116 alcoholic drinks to customers under 21 years old within three hours. Detectives also noted several instances where the underage customers drank in front of staff without them notifying management.
The police department has since made multiple arrests, including the 57-year-old bar owner, Patrick Lynn Broussard. Authorities charged him with a misdemeanor for letting a disorderly place.
Police also arrested two bartenders. Sydney Elise Mitchell, 20, and Michael Samuel Cuccia, 22, were both charged with unlawful sales to persons under twenty-one and letting a disorderly place. Officers also arrested a 21-year-old and an 18-year-old for purchasing drinks for persons underage. The press release explains that the Hammond Police Department plans to take “aggressive enforcement actions” against bars that sell to underage customers in the coming weeks.
Another bar made headlines in June, albeit for a more bizarre reason. The Murray Police Department reported that a man released a raccoon at an open business. The animal allegedly bit someone, and authorities note that the suspect was previously barred from the premises. 40-year-old Jonathan Mason was reportedly uncooperative when officers questioned him in his car. Authorities charged him with multiple offenses, including Assault 2nd Degree and Resisting Arrest.
