Two Nashville convenience stores have been padlocked and declared “public nuisances" due to the high number of violent crimes at both locations.
Officials with Metro Nashville Police said both the Z Mart and Staff Zone, located on Lafayette Street, were raided after multiple complaints from the community.
Authorities began investigating both locations and brought their findings to District Attorney Glenn Funk's Office. After reviewing the information, Funk agreed the properties were a nuisance, police said.
During the raid, investigators confiscated at least two weapons.
Resident Jarica Sanders called it a “good day” for the neighborhood and said the padlocking will hopefully make the community safer.
“The violence, we hear it all the time and we’re tired of it," added resident Brittaney Wilson. "We want a safe community… enough is enough.”
Wilson also credited Metro police officers with helping keep crime down in the community.
“I like our police officers, they come into our neighborhoods and actually talk to us like we’re human beings and that matters… we should be able to work hand in hand with them.”
