Washington County DA shuts down Finleyville bar, citing 'drug nuisance activity'
A longstanding neighborhood tavern in Washington County has been shut down by authorities after being labeled a “nuisance” bar.
Police taped a sign to the front door of Bob’s Tavern on Friday, alerting customers of a temporary injunction filed on behalf of Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI.
A popular neighborhood bar has been shut down after being deemed a nuisance by the district attorney. https://t.co/ZpweUsibTM
— WPXI (@WPXI) October 15, 2022
According to court documents, the bar attracts “drug nuisance activity in the area” in and around the bar, citing drug dealers allegedly using the business to deal cocaine, heroin and other drugs.
Bob’s Tavern and Motel opened in 1948 and is located at 3700 Route 88 in Finleyville.
It’s unclear how long the bar will remain closed.
Bob’s is owned by Rudy Zelak.
On Monday, Bob’s Tavern was the site of a police investigation after gunshots were reported in the parking lot. The body of Jason Irwin was found along Washington Road, and police found the car of Maurissa Spencer riddled with bullets, not far from the parking lot.
Spencer, 23, was originally charged with tampering with evidence and recklessly endangering another person.
On Friday, police charged Spencer with homicide and conspiracy charges after Spencer told police she was driving her car and Irwin fell out of the vehicle.
According to police documents, Spencer was with Irwin in his final moments, and she admitted that she kept driving and did not stop.
“You don’t have to pull the trigger in order to be guilty of this crime,” Walsh said. “An innocent person, in my eyes, doesn’t leave a dead man in the middle of the street and run, and does not contact the authority 911 to report it and then leave their car and tries to wipe down the evidence.”
Zelak declined to comment on the incident.
In a post Tuesday to Bob’s Tavern Facebook account, customers received an update on the business hours.
“Yes, we are open. Nothing happened in the bar. Please try to mind your own business,” the post read.
In 2010, two men were shot while inside Bob’s Tavern.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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