NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A federal investigation into a possible brothel blocked a portion of Hobson Pike in Antioch Wednesday morning.
A large police presence was spotted in the 2300 block of Hobson Pike near Hamilton Church Road around 6 a.m.
Metro police blocked a portion of traffic while agents with the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) searched a property with a large amount of vehicles. Tactical officers were seen breaking windows of multiple vehicles parked in the lot.
A spokesperson for Metro police said the department assisted HSI agents with the execution of a search warrant for a human trafficking operation, including a brothel at the 5-acre Hobson Pike property.
As officers approached the home, five men inside ran away, two of which ran across Hobson Pike and were later captured near J. Percy Priest Lake, according to Metro police. Hobson Pike was temporarily closed while officers searched for the men.
A Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson said the "situation did not have an impact on our schools."
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
One of the five men was wanted by Metro police in connection with a September shooting at a suspected brothel on Mt. View Road. All five men were taken into custody. The investigation is also linked to the deadly shooting of three men at a home on Bart Drive.
"There is no danger to the community. The community can be assured that our PD and our federal partners have been working diligently since last year to further this investigation and we're taking it step by step meticulously and methodically and what you're seeing this morning is part of that," explained MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron.
An HSI spokesperson said the investigation is related to gangs and sex trafficking.
Agencies involved in the lengthy investigation include HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and MNPD's specialized investigation unit.
No additional information was immediately released.
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This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
