24-hour tire shop in New Orleans seized after months-long criminal investigation

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The 24-hour auto and tire repair shop on North Claiborne Avenue in Tremé was seized by police after a months-long investigation by the ATF and New Orleans police.

“It was a haven for criminal activity,” said Daniel Shanks, the state’s director of data-driven citizen engagement.

“Shooting after shooting, armed robbery, drug dealing, assault,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Yes, anything was possible here. I don’t know if there were any arrests for illegal gambling, but there were certainly rumors of all kinds of things that went down behind us over the years.”

After years of complaints from residents about the store and the surrounding area, several agencies launched an investigation and crime statistics for the area were reviewed.

“The data showed that it was one of the riskiest places in New Orleans. At the corner of Claiborne and Esplanade, you were 28 times more likely to be a victim of violent crime. When we looked at the actual crimes that occurred in that corridor, we found that over 46% of the incidents came from the 1200 block of Claiborne,” Shanks said.

Just two years ago in September, a manager working the store’s night shift was shot dead, adding to a long list of crimes committed in and around the store and prompting police to officially close the store.

“These people have conducted thorough investigations and made compelling cases that could stand up to an Orleans Parish jury,” Williams said. “So we can make sure that what happened here yesterday will have positive ripple effects in this community. It will not only spread this web of criminality down the block.”

Williams says that when it comes to crime, it is crucial to look not only at the people but also at the places.

“It’s not enough to just say we want to see communities and businesses grow, we need to make sure we create an atmosphere and environment in which they can grow and develop,” Williams said.

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