Russian Lady in Hartford closes indefinitely in wake of ‘disturbing’ video that appears to show assault
A popular bar in Hartford will be closed indefinitely after a video posted to social media this week showed what appears to be the alleged assault of a patron by a security member there.
The state Department of Consumer Protection said the liquor permittee of the Russian Lady bar has agreed to voluntarily suspend the establishment’s license in the wake of investigations being launched by the DCP and the Hartford Police Department into the video, which shows a man being punched at the top of a staircase, causing him to tumble down the stairs before he is seen lying motionless.
“The business will be closed until further notice,” the DCP said in a statement. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine what additional action may be required.”
Hartford police were called to the Russian Lady, located at 191 Ann Uccello St., on Nov. 4 on the report of an assault being called in by a third party. No arrests were made at the time, as security told investigators that the man involved had fallen, according to police.
The man initially refused medical attention but has since been treated and released from an area hospital.
A video posted to multiple social media platforms this week appears to paint the incident in a different light. In the video, a patron of the bar can be seen being dragged down a set of stairs. The man is then brought to his feet and appears to be talking to one of the apparent security team, though there is no audio accompanied by the video.
The patron then appears to be punched and can then be seen tumbling down a flight of stairs and appears motionless with his head tilted to the side, the video shows.
Upon learning that the video surfaced, Hartford police have opened an investigation to determine whether or not criminal charges are warranted.
The DCP’s Liquor Control Division has also opened an investigation.
“The video is disturbing, and not reflective of the behavior expected in our licensed establishments,” the DCP said in a statement. “We wish the individual who was injured a full and speedy recovery.”
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the DCP Liquor Control Division at DCP.LiquorControl@ct.gov.