Man Arrested For Smoking — Outside A Health Center In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A Middletown resident is due in court on July 23 to face a charge that he was illegally smoking in public— outside a local health center.

The 49-year-old was also charged with first-degree criminal trespass.

According to an arrest report, the situation unraveled just before 9 a.m. on July 9 outside the Community Health Center on Main Street.

Police said the man, whose listed address is also on Main Street and is "notorious for making poor decisions," began smoking marijuana outside the center as a sign nearby indicated it was illegal to puff within 25 feet of the health center, per state law.

Connecticut General Statute 19a-342, makes it illegal to smoke in a variety of public and private places in Connecticut. The banned locations include state buildings, platforms and shelters at public transit stations, healthcare centers, food stores, restaurants, liquor stores, bars (except smoking sections of outdoor seating areas), school buildings, school grounds, child care facilities and elevators, college dormitories, race tracks, and hotel and motel rooms.

Signs must be posted to indicate where smoking is prohibited, according to state law.

Police said the location is a "frequent hangout" spot for locals living on or near Main Street.