The Memphis Police Department is moving to close a Hickory Hill nightclub, alleging the property is a nuisance.
Legends Lounge, located at 6232 Knight Arnold Rd., has "a documented pattern of violence and criminal activity at and around the establishment," according to a Sept. 24 press release from MPD.
“When a business becomes a consistent source of violence and criminal activity, it doesn’t just affect the people inside that establishment," Chief C.J. Davis said in the release. “It affects the surrounding businesses, the neighborhood and the people who live and work in that community. We have a responsibility to address places where criminal activity continues and take action to protect our community from the negative impacts of these nuisance
businesses.”
According to MPD, 58 "documented incidents" have occurred at Legends Lounge since March 15, 2023, including six incidents involving gunfire and one homicide. MPD also identified seven other incidents stemming from the club, including conflicts that continued at a gas station next door and shootings that happened after people left the club.
On Aug. 9, organized crime investigators and partner agencies executed a search warrant at Legends Lounge. Officers found more than 300 people inside the business, which has a maximum occupancy of 99, according to MPD.
Investigators made multiple arrests, found employees with outstanding warrants, armed security working without proper licensing and evidence related to illegal drug activity and unlawful alcohol sales, MPD said.
MPD seized more than $7,000 based on probable cause that the money was linked to illegal drug activity.
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis police announce nuisance closure of Hickory Hill nightclub
