Guilford Judge Closes Greensboro Howard Johnson After Drug, Violence Surge

A Howard Johnson hotel on Veasley Street in Greensboro has been ordered to close to new guests following a temporary restraining order issued by a Guilford County Superior Court judge due to repeated criminal activities and safety violations. The city filed a civil nuisance abatement case citing felony narcotics trafficking, prostitution, violence, and life-safety hazards including faulty wiring and inoperative smoke detectors. Law enforcement executed a search warrant resulting in six arrests for felony drug and firearm violations, and discovered a significant quantity of drugs and weapons on the property. The closure aims to reduce the ongoing threat to public safety and welfare, as the property had generated over 600 calls for service within a year, impacting police resources and neighboring properties. Nearly 65 Greensboro police officers, alongside North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents and the city’s Behavioral Health Response Team, were involved in enforcing the order. City officials emphasized that this action will benefit the entire corridor by eliminating the criminal activity associated with the hotel.