In Warren, city officials plan to close the Convenient Food Mart on Elm Road after a tragic shooting left a 31-year-old man dead and another injured. This disturbing event was part of a violent weekend that saw multiple shootings around the city.
During a recent press conference, Warren Mayor Doug Franklin and a team of officials addressed the community’s safety concerns. The mayor labeled the store a “nuisance,” claiming it was a hub for illegal activity and had violated a city agreement by selling alcohol during restricted hours.
The victim of the shooting, identified as David Lee Owens III, died shortly after the incident, which police say arose from an argument during a dice game. A second individual was injured but survived.
Mya Henderson, a store employee, witnessed the chaos and described how events escalated quickly. She contested the claims that the store was open during banned hours, insisting that surveillance footage shows the establishment was closed until after the restrictions ended. “They’re lying,” she stated, attributing the violence to broader societal issues rather than the store itself.
Community reactions to the proposed closure of the Convenient Food Mart vary. While some residents support the initiative, believing it addresses immediate safety concerns, others warn it could create bigger problems, like a food desert. Local landlords pointed to a broader issue with safety in the area, suggesting that more systemic changes are needed.
Law enforcement officials highlighted the importance of community cooperation in solving these issues. Detective Eric Laprocina noted a “near zero” response from witnesses, despite evidence of several people witnessing the incidents.
Mayor Franklin called for a united effort to create a safer community, emphasizing the need for solutions that extend beyond closing businesses. “We need to show our young people hope, not despair,” he said.
Historically, similar nuisance abatement measures have been used in Warren, but officials acknowledge that simply closing one business may only shift problems elsewhere. The city is committed to tracking illegal activity wherever it may arise.
Recent statistics highlight a concerning trend: in 2022, gun violence in urban areas of Ohio increased by almost 25% compared to the previous year, according to a state report. This underlines the urgency of addressing violence as a community issue.
The Ohio Liquor Control Commission has been informed of the store’s alleged violations, which could affect its ability to renew its liquor license. As Warren grapples with rising crime, the community is left contemplating how to balance safety, business, and a sense of normalcy.
For ongoing updates and support resources, check the [Warren Police Department](https://www.cityofwarren.org/police) website.
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Local News,City eyes closure of Convenient Food Mart after shooting
