A Baltimore gas station shuttered by police under the City’s padlock law is set to open under new management, police said.
READ MORE: Baltimore Police use padlock law to shut down troubled business
Police Commissioner Kevin Davis shut down the BP Gas station at the intersection of N. Forest Park Ave. and Windsor Mill Rd., on June 21, 2016 citing the padlock law. Sixteen crimes in two years mostly violent, including two murders – were all traced to the Southwest Baltimore gas station. Multiple crimes, including a drug deal inside the gas station involving an employee, were caught on video.
"We were serious when we met in June to address the pervasive illegal activity that once took place at the BP Gas Station located on the corner of N. Forest Park Avenue and Windsor Mill Boulevard. Closing it was the best sign of respect we could offer residents who endured its impact for many years," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake.
Police said in a statement that the order will be lifted at the request of the property owner, Carroll Independent Fuel, on the condition that the business be sold to a new dealer who agrees to enhanced security measures.
"The use of the padlock law is an absolute last resort for us, but we have an obligation to the citizens to use the tools at our disposal to address quality of life crimes." said Commissioner Kevin Davis. "For too long, the owners of the fuel station allowed it to be hub for illegal activity. We believe that with this modified order, the community and businesses are now situated in a much safer environment than what existed in the past."
The business will be allowed to begin its reopening process on August 9, 2016.
Download the ABC2 News app for the iPhone, Kindle and Android.
