Code officers crack down on trouble motels

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Dollar Inn sits just off of Crawfordsville Road, an ideal location down the street from Interstate 465 and a couple of miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But a high number of police calls – more than 800 in the last two years – has it in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Thursday, that location and two other Dollar Inns, one on North Shadeland Avenue, the other on West Washington Street, were under the microscope, as a team of Indianapolis Code Enforcement inspectors checked for code violations – and troublemakers.

The excessive police calls have involved common crimes involving prostitution and drugs, along with arrest warrant service.

Kate Johnson, spokeswoman for Indianapolis Code Enforcement, said the inspections Thursday would not only ensure the motels are in compliance with all regulations, but also help curb crime, as anyone found to be involved in possible criminal activity was subject to investigation.

"We are working to bring these hotels in compliance. That is our goal," Johnson said.

During the inspections Thursday, officers checked for warrants on 108 guests; two people were arrested on outstanding warrants, one for shoplifting, and another for failure to register as a sex offender.