South Nashville Home Raided and Padlocked Under Public Nuisance Law

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department today is taking the rare step of padlocking a South Nashville home after officers responded to more than 200 incidents there over the past ten years resulting in some 60 arrests for a laundry list of offenses.

The residence at 4912 Shasta Drive, owned by William Earnie Allen, has been declared a public nuisance in a temporary injunction and padlocking order issued by Criminal Court Judge Steve Dozier. A petition filed by the District Attorney's Office alleges that Allen has allowed drug transactions, gunshots, the transport of stolen vehicles, drunkenness, fighting, and breaches of the peace to take place both inside and outside of the home during the day and night. More than a year ago, on September 15, 2023, South Precinct Commander Kevin Lovell met with Allen to reiterate that the criminal issues needed to stop. Even after that meeting, approximately 47 incidents requiring a police or EMS response have occurred.

A number of neighbors on Shasta Drive have expressed disgust about the activities occurring at the 4912 residence. Concerns were expressed about the safety of the community and, specifically, for children who are restricted from enjoying time outside due to unlawful occurrences.

"This is an extreme but necessary action for the wellbeing of families living in the Shasta Drive area," Chief John Drake said. "Our officers are determined to bring peace to this neighborhood."

Arrests at the property have been for offenses including domestic assault, parole violation, burglary, felony gun possession, aggravated assault, stealing, cocaine and marijuana possession, resisting arrest and vehicle theft.

The temporary injunction calls for the home to be searched and inspected by the Fire, Codes and Health Departments before it is padlocked. Allen is being ordered to appear before Judge Dozier at 9 a.m. Tuesday for the initial court hearing.

This is only the fifth time that the MNPD has raided and padlocked a private residence under Tennessee's public nuisance law. The last instance was in February 2020 on Monaco Drive in Hermitage.