St. Joseph Businesses File Lawsuit Seeking Permanent Closure of Wood's Mini Mart

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Three St. Joseph businesses and property owners have filed a lawsuit seeking to permanently close Wood's Mini Mart on Frederick Avenue, alleging years of criminal activity, property damage and safety concerns have negatively affected surrounding businesses.

The lawsuit, filed Friday, October 16, in Buchanan County Circuit Court, names the owners and operators of the convenience store at 1334 Frederick Avenue. The plaintiffs argue that conditions associated with the property constitute both a public and private nuisance.

The businesses are requesting financial compensation and a permanent court order preventing the convenience store from operating or reopening at its current location.

Nearly 3,000 Police Calls Cited in Lawsuit

According to the court petition, St. Joseph Police Department records show approximately 2,969 calls for service associated with the Wood's Mini Mart address between 2016 and 2026.

Of those calls, approximately 1,951 occurred between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2026.

The lawsuit references reports involving fights, assaults, shots fired, trespassing and suspected drug overdoses. However, the overall figures also include routine police patrols and building checks, meaning not every call represents a criminal incident.

The petition also cites approximately 240 emergency medical service records associated with the location between March 2023 and September 2026.

The plaintiffs argue that the frequency of police and emergency responses demonstrates ongoing safety concerns that the store's operators have failed to adequately address.

Neighboring Businesses Claim Property Damage and Financial Losses

The lawsuit was filed by E.L. Crawford Construction Inc., KC-KC Properties LLC and Baseball Builders LLC.

E.L. Crawford Construction, located at 1502 Frederick Avenue, alleges that ongoing disturbances have resulted in property damage, security concerns and additional operating expenses.

According to the filing, individuals have allegedly entered restricted areas, slept inside equipment and attempted to gain access to buildings.

The company also reports broken windows, suspected bullet damage, discarded needles, human waste and other debris found on its property.

The construction business claims it has spent approximately $5,000 on additional security measures, including upgraded cameras and locks.

Baseball Builders LLC, which owns commercial property at 1302 Frederick Avenue associated with Pizza Tascio and the former Axe Factor business, also claims the surrounding conditions have affected its ability to attract and retain tenants.

According to the lawsuit, the property owner has experienced lost rental income and extended vacancies.

The plaintiffs estimate their properties have lost approximately 30% to 40% of their market value because of the alleged conditions. Those figures are estimates provided by the property owners and have not been established by an independent appraisal in the filing.

Store Owner Disputes Responsibility for Neighborhood Crime

The lawsuit identifies Sajid Farooqui and Zeshan Siddique as partners operating the convenience store under the EZ Mart business name.

Siddique told News-Press NOW on Tuesday that he was unaware of the lawsuit until a reporter informed him of the filing.

He expressed surprise at the legal action and disputed allegations that his business should be held responsible for criminal activity occurring in the surrounding neighborhood.

Siddique argued that crime occurs throughout St. Joseph and should not automatically be attributed to the convenience store.

He also claimed that someone associated with a neighboring business had previously approached him about purchasing the property or business.

Siddique indicated he would consider selling for an acceptable price but questioned why neighboring businesses were pursuing legal action to force its closure.

He said he intended to contact his attorney after learning of the lawsuit.

Gasoline Sales Already Suspended Following Fuel Leak

The lawsuit comes approximately one month after Wood's Mini Mart was ordered to stop selling and receiving gasoline following the discovery of petroleum contamination in the sewer system near 13th Street and Frederick Avenue.

The City of St. Joseph issued the order in September after gasoline was detected in the area.

While gasoline sales have been suspended, the convenience store has continued operating.

The petition references the fuel-related restrictions as part of its broader description of conditions at the property.

Lawsuit Seeks Permanent Injunction and Financial Damages

In addition to allegations involving public safety, the lawsuit questions the legal status of the business partnership.

According to the petition, EZ Mart's Missouri limited liability partnership registration expired in March 2020. The plaintiffs contend the business continued operating without renewing its registration and argue that the named owners should be held personally liable for certain obligations and alleged conduct.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for property damage, security improvements, maintenance costs, lost rental income and alleged reductions in property values.

No specific total amount of damages has been identified.

The plaintiffs are also asking a judge to permanently prohibit Wood's Mini Mart from operating, continuing operations or reopening at 1334 Frederick Avenue.

A jury trial has been requested.

The case remains pending in Buchanan County Circuit Court. The filing of the lawsuit does not mean the store has been ordered to close, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

St. Joseph Community Alert will continue following the case as additional court filings and developments become available.

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