The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has taken the unusual step of padlocking a residence in South Nashville due to its history of criminal activity. Over the past decade, officers have responded to more than 200 incidents at the home located at 4912 Shasta Drive, resulting in approximately 60 arrests for various offenses. This action follows a temporary injunction and padlocking order issued by Criminal Court Judge Steve Dozier, which declared the property a public nuisance.
Owned by William Earnie Allen, the home has been associated with activities such as drug transactions, gunfire, stolen vehicle transport, public intoxication, and disturbances. Despite a meeting more than a year ago with South Precinct Commander Kevin Lovell, where Allen was warned about the ongoing criminal issues, around 47 incidents still required police or emergency medical services response.
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Neighbors have expressed concerns about safety, particularly for children who are unable to play outside due to the unlawful activities. “This is an extreme but necessary action for the wellbeing of families living in the Shasta Drive area,” stated Chief John Drake. He emphasized that officers are committed to restoring peace to the neighborhood.
The arrests at the property have included charges such as domestic assault, parole violations, burglary, felony gun possession, aggravated assault, theft, and drug possession. The temporary injunction also mandates a search and inspection of the home by the Fire, Codes, and Health Departments before it is locked. Allen is required to appear before Judge Dozier for an initial court hearing.
This incident marks only the fifth time the MNPD has invoked Tennessee’s public nuisance law to raid and padlock a private residence, with the last occurrence in February 2020 on Monaco Drive in Hermitage.
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