Less than 36 hours after a fight and shootout at Functionz Venue and Lounge, multiple safety violations shut the doors on a downtown Whiteville business.
“During my inspection I found conditions that constitute a clear and inimical threat to human life, safety and health,” City Fire Marshal Hal Lowder Jr. wrote in a letter to Tamika McCray, operator of Functionz.
Multiple gunmen traded shots outside the business at 910 Madison Street around 2 a.m. Saturday. A fight reportedly started inside and spread to the street and across Madison to the Lewis Smith parking lot. Three vehicles and several business were struck by gunfire, and shell casings were still being picked up in the area of Madison and Pecan streets Monday afternoon. Whiteville Police are investigating the incident.
The business was hosting a gathering when the incident occurred, but the building was empty when police arrived shortly after the gunfight.
Lowder noted in the letter that the building is classified as Business Group B, retail and professional, but was apparently “operating as an Assembly Group A-2,” or private event venue. That meant the business had an “illegal occupancy” according to the fire code. The owners had been previously warned, Lowder said.
Among the violations Lowder found during his inspection immediately after the shootout were:
- inadequate exits for gatherings
- illegal and improper occupancy
- inadequate fire protection systems, including sprinklers, fire extinguishers and alarms
- no illuminated exit signs or exit routes
- improper “door swing” and a lack of panic hardware on the doors.
The back door of the business was reportedly locked when law enforcement arrived, leaving only one way in and out of the building.
Lowder ordered an “immediate evacuation” of the building per state fire code.
“Persons shall not enter or re-enter until authorized to do so by the fire code official,” the letter said. Lowder also ordered that utilities be disconnected from the building until further notice.
Social media for the business advertised party planning and hosting for high end birthday parties, anniversaries and meetings. The business was a popular spot for recording dance videos. It originally opened as a retail outlet selling designer purses and accessories. A woman was selling purses on a table in the parking area Tuesday morning (today).
Lowder said conditions were “extremely dangerous” for gatherings at the building.
“If there had been a fire or other tragic event, people could easily have been hurt or killed,” he said. “The door and frame showed signs of damage from people trying to escape the building when the shooting was happening.”
WPD Chief Paul Rockenbach said Monday that the department had no witnesses or suspects in the case.
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