HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) —- Hamden police say they are investigating after an assault and a shooting early Sunday morning.
At 2:20 a.m., officers responded a report of shots fired at Slyce Pizza Bar, located at 141 Arch Street in Hamden. The restaurant is down the street from Southern Connecticut State University and near a residential area.
Two people were hurt outside the restaurant. Police say a 28-year-old man was assaulted and may have been hit by a car leaving the restaurant’s parking lot. A second victim, a 26-year old man, was shot in the back inside his car while leaving Slyce. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. Police are still trying to figure out the motive for this incident.
“That’s a little concerning considering that we live only two streets from this block right here,” said Javier Santiago, who has lived in the area for about a year and sometimes gets pizza at Slyce. “I feel safe, but I know the area sometimes is not safe, especially if you have children with you.”
Some Hamden community leaders are calling for the restaurant to lose its liquor license, since there have been several shootings and fights there in the past. Mayor Curt Balzano Leng is one of them.
“This is the location that the most acts of gun violence have emanated either from or around in the entire town,” Leng said.
The Hamden Police Department has been stepping up patrols to the area.
The owner of Slyce says Sunday’s incident happened after the restaurant was closed. He says the criticism directed at his business is not fair. However, the town says enough is enough.
“I certainly want to see the business owner step up and do more on his own site and not take the position that when someone walks out the door in their parking lot, they’re not their responsibility anymore,” Leng said.
Some Slyce customers also defended the restaurant and the owner.
If you have any information regarding this incident, call Hamden Police at (203) 230 – 4000.
