City officials shut down local deli, crime hot spot

DOVER, Del – City councilman Roy Suddler said, “Back in the day it was known in the community.”

What was once a neighborhood hang out to get your favorite snacks, catch up with friends or maybe grab a quick bite to eat soon became a public nuisance.

One church member said, “We know it was more than just selling goods and products.”

A hub for alleged crime, prostitution, gang operations and drug use, among others, the Fulton market was posing a threat to the community. Suddler said gangs such as the”302 Boys, First 48, and Bloods” have been reported in the area.

The church member also said, “This store was just not helping at all.”

We spoke with members of the Mount Zion AME Church, who, among other organizations, petitioned to shut down the store in the first place.

They tell 47 ABC that while they’re happy their hard work did not go unnoticed, they’re still worried about crime in the area so much so that they didn’t want to show their faces on camera.

The church member also said, “When you see something is not getting better and is getting worse, something has to be done.”

The city says the deli was officially shut down August 1st, but owners were supposed to appeal September 18th and rescinded the offer.

Church members and city officials say they’ve seen things quiet down for the time being, but hope for a more permanent solution to prevent problems in the area.

Suddler also said, “Not just my district, but the city of Dover as a whole. We’re trying to make sure that does not continue.”