OHIO — Two Richmond men were arrested Friday night after police raided a property on East Main Street that authorities say has been a persistent 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 said the property had been associated with “disturbances, fights, illegal substances, and chronic illegal activity.”
Following an investigation by the Indiana State Excise Police, Richmond police sought assistance to address the ongoing issues. On Friday night, officers with the Richmond Police Department SWAT team, Randolph County SWAT and the Indiana Excise Police executed a search warrant at the location.
Two men were taken into custody. Jerry Norris, 53, of Richmond, was arrested on preliminary charges of racketeering, dealing an illegal substance, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of narcotics, and selling liquor without a license. Willie Mills Jr., 38, also of Richmond, was arrested on preliminary charges of maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
“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.”
