North Nashville's Infamous Club Kilimanjaro Raided, Padlocked by Police

NASHVILLE, TN — Early Friday morning, Metro Nashville Police raided and padlocked North Nashville's infamous Club Kilimanjaro as a public nuisance, saying it is a haven for violent crime and even serves as a meeting place for one of the area's most violent gangs.

Criminal Court Judge Steve Dozier issued a temporary injunction and padlock order on the club at 1402 Artic Avenue near Trinity Lane and Interstate 24, declaring it a public nuisance after more than 100 visits by police in the past four years, including three murders, and a recent sting during which an underage police operative was able to purchase not only a beer, but also marijuana.

The operators of the club — Danyo Lazoro, Clifford Hardin and Michael Wright — along with the property owner, Leonard Stephens, are barred from the property until a hearing scheduled with Judge Dozier next week.

For Nashville news and breaking updates, click here to subscribe to the Nashville Patch, or find your local Middle Tennessee Patch here.

Metro Police said numerous violent crimes were among the more than 100 calls, to wit:

• Murder, 3
• Person Shot, 1
• Shots Fired, 4
• Robbery, 2
• Assault Aggravated, 4
• Assault, 16
• Assault on Officer, 4
• Domestic Assault, 2
• Drug Activity, 4
• Gang Activity, 1
• Rape, 1
• Theft, 3
• DUI, 1
• Vandalism, 1
• Suspicious Person, 7
• Person Intoxicated, 7
• Disorderly Person, 5
• Juvenile Runaway, 2
• Hit and Run, 1

In addition, investigators say the club is a den for gang activity, with members of the Crips, Bloods and BG/BGD all spotted there. In addition, the club served as the location for a recent statewide meeting of the Gangster Disciples. Nearby business owners have complained repeatedly that the club draws "unruly patrons, drunks and violent criminals," according to police.

After a 2015 murder, the club's liquor-by-the-drink license was suspended by the state; nevertheless, police discovered that the club had a fully stocked bar and was still continuing to sell liquor despite being advertised as a BYOB establishment. Further, the Metro Beer Board documented 22 violations between April 2013 and August 2016.

Last month, an underage police operative went into Club Kilimanjaro shortly after 3 a.m.. Police say his ID was not checked at the door, nor did the bartender check his idea when he ordered a beer. While drinking the beer, the operative asked the bartender if it would be possible to purchase marijuana, leading to a pot buy inside the club. The operative also inquired about strippers and was told strippers perform on Saturday nights and into early Sunday morning. Kilimanjaro does not have an adult entertainment license.

Image via Google Maps