For Release: Immediate  Date: October 11, 2002

Contact: ALE Agent David Wooten Phone: 800-614-6495

WILSON - A nuisance action was filed against the owner and operator of the Due Drop End a Wilson nightclub, following complaints of assaults, shootings, drugs and alcohol violations.

The Wilson Police Department has responded to numerous calls at the property, including the shooting deaths of two people and the wounding of seven others during the early morning hours of Oct. 4 and 5. The wounded included a 13 year-old and a 17 year-old.

After receiving complaints of fire code violations, Wilson Fire Chief Don Oliver mandated a fire code inspection of the property and has posted the property closed Oct. 11 for life safety code violations.

An Alcohol Law Enforcement Nuisance Abatement team investigated the complaints Oct. 9 and 10 and compiled information for the city’s lawsuit against the club’s owner and operator, Peggy and Percy Bowens.

On behalf of the State of North Carolina, the City of Wilson filed the case against Peggy Bowens who owns the property and her husband, Percy, who is the operator of the Due Drop End. He also holds the ABC permits at the property, located at 515 E. Nash Street.

“We are using the nuisance abatement law seeking a permanent solution to the crime associated with this club, which has had a long history of criminal activity,” said Wilson City Manager Ed Wyatt.

At the request of Wilson Police Chief John R. Powell, ALE Agent David Wooten, and an agent of the local ALE district, researched police records and reports concerning this property.

“I would like to thank the community for working with the Wilson Police Department, making it possible to bring this action,” Powell said. “We also appreciate the quick assistance provided by the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. Hopefully, this lawsuit will put an end to the problems at that property and bring peace to the community.”

The secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Bryan Beatty, commended the City of Wilson for taking the action and said ALE works well assisting local communities with crime problems such as this one in Wilson.

“ALE’s Nuisance Abatement Team does good work in investigating complaints on properties that may be havens for criminal activity,” said Beatty. “There is nothing more important than maintaining safe communities, and we are pleased to be able provide this help for our citizens.”

Since its inception in 1994, ALE’s Nuisance Abatement Team has worked with local communities in addressing complaints at 504 properties across the state. The five-member team is currently investigating complaints at 20 to 30 locations across North Carolina.

For additional information and questions, contact ALE Agent David Wooten, 800-614-6495.

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