Local Convenience Store Shut Down After DA’s Office Declares it a Public Nuisance

Shelby County, TN— The Shelby County District Attorney's Office has officially declared Gas Express (3465 Lamar Avenue) a public nuisance—after an extensive investigation conducted by the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit. In a coordinated effort on Wednesday, February 28, the establishment was shut down by MPD.

Beginning in October 2021 and concluding in January 2024, detectives from the MPD’s Organized Crime Unit conducted the comprehensive investigation into Gas Express. Numerous community complaints had been received, citing disturbances and rampant violence on the premises. Throughout the investigation, MPD responded to a total of 903 calls and completed 189 reports, encompassing incidents such as aggravated robbery, homicides, carjacking, theft from motor vehicles, prostitution, aggravated assaults, drug violations, and weapon violations. Within the two-year investigation, officers made 93 arrests on the property.

After Detectives concluded the investigation, the findings were presented to the Shelby County DA’s Office for review. On February 27, the Shelby County Criminal Court granted a temporary injunction/restraining order against the establishment—temporarily closing the business and deeming it a Public Nuisance.

On Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Forrest Edwards of The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office and Assistant City Attorney Constance Brown of the City Attorney’s Office joined representatives from MPD, Memphis Fire Department, Department of Agriculture, and Shelby County Code Enforcement to serve the injunction.

“This is another good example of partnerships with law enforcement,” said DA Mulroy. “Our office is determined to shut down these breeding grounds for crime to protect neighbors' quality of life and to make sure that those responsible for the crime are held accountable.”

MPD Chief Cerelyn “CJ’ Davis underscored the importance of collaboration across agencies to combat crime. 

"We appreciate this continued partnership with the Shelby County District Attorney's Office in identifying businesses that facilitate crime,” said Chief Davis. “We value the court's involvement in addressing and correcting identified issues. When shopping and visiting these businesses, Memphis residents deserve a safe environment.”

During Wednesday’s operation, three individuals were taken into custody by MPD, and felony drugs along with a weapon were discovered on the premises. The store also failed the Department of Agriculture inspection and received citations from the Memphis Fire Department and Shelby County Code Enforcement for numerous violations.

The owners of Gas Express are scheduled to appear in Shelby County Environmental Court on March 5.