Man gets stuck in ventilation duct at hookah lounge

Bethlehem police said a 28-year-old man denied entry to a hookah lounge on Saturday tried to get inside by climbing through the building's ventilation duct and became stuck. Police said Justine Graci was wedged so tightly in the duct, Bethlehem firefighters had to be called in to help rescue him.

Fire crews had to cut a 2-foot section of the duct to free Graci – causing about $2,000 in damages, said police Lt. Mark DiLuzio. Police said Graci, of 455 Montclair Ave., was denied entry to the Sultana Hookah Lounge, 3 E. Third St. by a bouncer, who determined Graci was too intoxicated and because the lounge was filled to capacity.



Graci climbed the roof of the lounge, tore off a ventilation grate and tried to squeeze his way through the duct, DiLuzio said. Graci – who entered feet first – became stuck in a curved section of the duct, police said.

Employees alerted police when they heard loud noises coming from inside the duct. Police aren't sure how long Graci was stuck inside. Graci is charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief and public drunkenness. He is in Northampton County Prison under $20,000 bail.