Charley's Lounge in JC Target of Two-Month Police Investigation

Johnson City's police chief says an investigation into operations of a village bar revealed illegal activity beyond violations of Covid-19 health directives.

Brent Dodge released a statement Thursday about his department's lengthy probe focused on Charley's Lounge, which also is known as Charley's Tavern.

The police chief said neighborhood residents last summer complained about problems linked to the business on Harry L. Drive.

Dodge said during the course of a two-month investigation, police responded to a shooting in which a bar patron was hurt. In another incident, a customer was arrested following a large street brawl that involved "numerous" patrons.

The chief said the police investigation uncovered drug activity both inside and outside the bar. He said there also were violent fights involving patrons, as well as alcohol being served to underage or obviously intoxicated customers.

Dodge said his department's findings have been provided to the State Liquor Authority. He expects the agency will review the investigation and consider taking action in the future.

The authority already has suspended the liquor license for Charley's Lounge for repeatedly violating the pandemic health regulations.

Efforts to contact the owners of the business for comment have been unsuccessful.