Southington Bar Set To Reopen After Wild Melee, Stabbing

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The local bar/restaurant that was the scene of a brutal fight and stabbing last month was to reopen Friday, April 5, with new security measures in place.

In the early morning of Saturday, March 23, police from Southington, Plainville and Cheshire rushed to the 75 Center bar at 75 Center St., Southington, due to a fight and stabbing at the location.

According to police, a dispute within the bar escalated quickly after bouncers escorted the parties involved outside.

The subjects involved in the dispute, reportedly, turned on the bouncers and a wild melee ensued, resulting in two bouncers being stabbed by a 24-year-old Wallingford woman, according to the SPD.

She and two others in her party were charged in connection with the brawl and their cases are winding their way through the courts.

Meanwhile, one of the bouncers stabbed was seriously injured and is still recovering.

This prompted the state Department of Consumer Protection to suspend 75 Center's liquor permit, citing a history of incidents at the bar.

75 Center complied and, with a new security plan in place, it is now being allowed to reopen Friday and this weekend.

Thursday, 75 Center released a detailed slate of changes for patrons of the bar, including a dress code, a new music format to "reflect our new atmosphere of fun," no weapons allowed, and mandatory security searches upon entering the establishment, among others.

Meanwhile, the bar said this week it is hiring additional security personnel and is seeking both male and female bouncers to work.

Police said employees of the bar attempted to intervene in an argument between Adrian Montes and Chase and an unknown male.

According to police, the argument escalated and bar bouncers escorted Adrian Montes and Chase to the door, reporting they were being argumentative.

Chase then punched a bouncer in the face, police said, causing a brawl.

During the fracas, Heidi Montes, who is the sister of Adrian Montes and an associate of Chase displayed pepper spray and a "wand shank" connected to her key chain, verbally threatening to stab the 75 Center bouncers, according to the SPD.

Police said Heidi Montes then sprayed pepper spray at a bouncer and stabbed him in the left side of the face with the shank, causing injury.

According to the SPD, Heidi Montes then continued and stabbed a second bouncer multiple times in the head and neck, causing "serious injury."

"We strongly condemn any acts of violence and are fully cooperating with the Southington Police Department regarding the regrettable incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 23, 2024," wrote 75 Center in a statement last week.

"Furthermore, we are actively engaging with both SPD and the CT Liquor Control to ensure the restoration of the safe and enjoyable atmosphere you have come to appreciate."

From March 24: 'Wallingford Woman, 24, Charged In Southington Bar Stabbing: Police'