The Wellsville Police Department has shut down what they said is a nuisance bar along Main Street in the city.


Police arrived at Joe's Bar & Grille around 8 a.m. Friday and crews were still there as of noon boarding up windows and doors.


Wellsville Police Chief Joe Scarabino said he's happy the place is finally closing down, and residents who spoke to NEWS9 said the same.

"There has been a lot of craziness going on over there," Kitty Ward said.

"Usually on the weekends it gets pretty bad. When I'm trying to go to bed, I can hear people out here arguing, getting loud and fighting," neighbor Carl Robb said.

Scarabino said his officers have been involved in an "intense investigation spanning several years" and were finally able to get enough evidence to have the place shut down as a nuisance.


When asked what made the bar a nuisance, he said the place has been full of drug activity. In addition, and several knifings and shootings have been tied to the establishment.


Scarabino said police are not just picking on Joe's Bar & Grille, but he said he won't tolerate those types of incidents at any establishment.

"It's sad for someone to lose their source of income, but to make sure the grandbabies and all the other children are safe, I'm happy to see it go," said Ward.

A few people even lost their homes with the building closing. Police told NEWS9 there are apartments attached and those residents have been ordered to move out as well.

As for any criminal charges, Scarabino said none have been filed yet, but that could change as they continue to collect evidence.