Two Richmond men were detained Friday night after police raided a property on East Main Street, which authorities say has been a constant source of crime and neighborhood disruption.
According to the Richmond Police Department, the building at 1117 East Main Street—known locally as “The Lounge”—had become “a steady source of violence, disorder, and neighborhood disruption.” The department stated that the property had been associated with “disturbances, fights, illegal substances, and chronic illegal activity.”
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Following an investigation by the Indiana State Excise Police, Richmond police requested assistance to resolve the ongoing difficulties. On Friday night, police from the Richmond Police Department SWAT team, Randolph County SWAT, and the Indiana Excise Police carried out a search warrant at the premises.
Two men have been taken into custody. Jerry Norris, 53, of Richmond, was arrested on preliminary accusations of racketeering, supplying illegal substances, causing a public nuisance, possessing narcotics, and selling liquor without a license. Willie Mills Jr., 38, of Richmond, was arrested on preliminary counts of causing a common nuisance and possessing a handgun by a serious violent criminal.
“Criminal businesses don’t get a free pass here,” Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said. “When they take advantage of our community, we bring partners, we bring resources, and we shut it down. Public safety succeeds when agencies stand together, and this operation is proof of that.”
