VALDOSTA —
Late Friday night, the heat descended on Club Heat in an undercover operation aimed at putting a stop to criminal activity at the nightclub.
Located on North Ashley Street, Club Heat has been the site of “at least 23 incidents” since August 2011, according to Valdosta Police Commander Brian Childress, who added that many attempts to work with the club’s management were unsuccessful. The VPD called on members of the Southwest Georgia Gang Taskforce, headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and a combined cadre of law enforcement officials descended on Club Heat around midnight, finding drugs and an illegal firearm.
According to Childress, six suspects were arrested and charged, including two 15-year old juvenile males, both charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Also charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana were Antuan Baker, 17; Eric Crews, 19; and Earl Harris IV, 21.
Nineteen year old Travis Little was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and on an outstanding warrant for aggravated battery.
“During the arrest of these offenders in the club parking lot, approximately 20 grams of marijuana and a 9mm pistol were recovered from the offenders,” Childress said.
Previous incidents at the club included fights, assaults, underage drinking, drug possession and gang activity. Childress said VPD Chief Frank Simons initiated the operation due to concerns about the violence and other criminal activity, as incidents have spilled into the street and surrounding area previously, and public safety became an issue.
The Club Heat operation was part of an ongoing effort by the VPD to clean up criminal activity in area hotspots, said Childress, as was the recent incident at 1401 N. Troup St.
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