Nashville Neighborhood Gets Relief as Problem House is Padlocked
In a bold move aimed at restoring peace to a troubled area, Nashville authorities have declared a home in South Nashville a public nuisance. This dramatic action comes after more than 200 police incidents at the property over the past decade, resulting in approximately 60 arrests related to various criminal offenses. This has left many residents feeling unsafe in their own community.
Taking Action for Safety
Early on the morning of November 7, 2024, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) shared the news on social media. Metro Police Chief John Drake emphasized the necessity of this extraordinary measure, stating, “This is an extreme but necessary action for the wellbeing of families living in the Shasta Drive area. Our officers are determined to bring peace to this neighborhood.” The home, located on the 4900 block of Shasta Drive, has been the center of various criminal activities, leading a Criminal Court judge to issue a temporary injunction and padlocking order.
The petition from the District Attorney’s Office highlighted that the homeowner had permitted a wide range of illegal activities, from drug transactions and gunfire to fighting and public drunkenness. Despite previous warnings, the situation only worsened, with 47 incidents requiring police or emergency services’ involvement occurring since a meeting with the homeowner in September 2023.
Neighbors Fear for Their Safety
Residents in the area have voiced their concerns about their safety due to the ongoing problems at the house. Many reported feeling trapped in their own homes and unable to even invite friends over. One neighbor, Lonie Thomason, expressed her frustration: “I couldn’t even invite friends here anymore because you couldn’t drive through here. I thought about selling my house.”
Others shared similar stories, like Raina Lesch, who recounted a frightening evening when a shooting occurred while she was enjoying dinner on her porch. “I was actually eating dinner on my porch when that happened, and we called that in,” she said. The residents’ sense of security has been shattered, with reports of violence spiking, including incidents of gunshots and public drug use.
A Pattern of Crime
Police reports from the area paint a concerning picture of the types of offenses happening at this house. Arrests have included charges for domestic assault, burglary, theft of vehicles, and possession of drugs, including cocaine and marijuana. Commander Kevin Lovell from the South Precinct mentioned, “We were getting calls about gunshots going off. We were getting calls about people loitering in the front yard and driveway doing drugs openly.”
Moreover, he stated that numerous stolen vehicles had been recovered from the property, and community members had expressed their disgust over the situation. As the problem escalated, some families, including military veterans, felt compelled to leave the neighborhood for their safety.
Looking Ahead
The new injunction not only padlocks the home but also mandates that it be inspected by fire, building codes, and health departments before it can be reopened. The homeowner is required to appear in court for an initial hearing on November 12 to address these serious issues.
As this situation unfolds, the residents remain hopeful that the action taken by authorities will lead to a safer environment. The police and city officials recognize the impact of this home’s activities on the wider community and are committed to restoring a sense of safety and normalcy to the neighborhood that so many Nashville families call home.
