NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The owners of a North Nashville business raided for ongoing crime are now in custody, Metro Police confirm.
Star Market was raided and padlocked by Metro Police officers and detectives early Monday morning after a court order action was issued under Tennessee’s public nuisance law.
The owners, 44-year-old Bolis Boktor, 43-year-old Basem Farag and 51-year-old Atef Abdelmaseh are accused of showing reckless disregard and deliberate indifference to the peace of the neighborhood, rights to adjacent property owners and public safety. At this time, only Boktor and Farag were taken into custody.
The Buchanan Street business was raided for prolonged disruption of quality of life in the area including ongoing drug deals, gunshots, fighting and drunkenness.
Chief Drake says the owners were warned in August 2022 about the illegal activity surrounding their business, yet more than 60 documented police responses and interventions took place since then.
Police say patrons and those hanging out on the property or around it are regularly involved the activities that occur both at night and during the day. The criminal activities also included blocking the flow of traffic from neighboring businesses, criminal trespassing, thefts and vandalism to other properties.
“The community is sick and tired of this kind of activity,” Chief Drake says. “Sick and tired of quality of life problems, sick and tired of gunfire, sick and tired of not having a peace of mind. And today, we’re hoping to bring some of that peace back.”
An affidavit shows Star Market saw 424 instances of police response between Jan. 1, 2019 and May 31, 2024. Police began their investigation in late 2023 which showed the men would willingly and continuously buy merchandise they knew was stolen for resale. The items which included cigarettes and tide pods valued about $11,000 and sold for $890.
Chief Drake added Northwest Liquors and Market, directly next to Star Market, has nothing to do with the padlock order.
A search warrant was also simultaneously conducted at F & B Mart on Clarksville Highway which is owned by Boktor and Farag. Both are facing charges of money laundering, organized retail crime and attempted theft.
Star Market will remain closed pending a hearing before a judge on Thursday.
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