Warren Officials Plan Convenience Store Closure After Fatal Weekend Shooting

Warren, Ohio, experienced a violent weekend with three separate shootings, including a fatal incident outside the Convenient Food Mart on Elm Road NE, where 31-year-old David Lee Owens III was killed. The convenience store, which has a history of liquor license violations and was previously restricted in its operating hours and alcohol sales, is facing a petition from city officials to be declared a nuisance and possibly shut down for up to a year due to ongoing violence linked to the location. Despite the store's management denying any wrongdoing and claiming compliance with restrictions, city officials and council members continue to express concerns about the store's role in local violence and the safety of the neighborhood. Police responded to multiple shootings over the weekend, with victims transported to local hospitals, and investigations are ongoing. Neighbors and city council members have urged the store to take additional security measures, such as hiring overnight security or ceasing alcohol sales, while also acknowledging challenges in managing crowds and violence in the area. Authorities have requested public assistance in providing information related to the shootings.