COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An “illegal after-hours” club in south Columbus has been ordered to close following a string of violent and criminal activities in recent months.

A warehouse operating as “The Underground” at 754 Harmon Ave. in south Franklinton has been shut down by the city after multiple reports of break-ins, stolen firearms, loud music, shots fired and parking issues, according to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. The property does not hold a liquor permit.

“This illegal nightclub recklessly endangered the lives of patrons and the public,” Klein said in a press release. “That’s why the city moved swiftly to take action and shut it down.”

Authorities said a victim reported a vehicle break-in at the property last month and claimed a handgun was stolen from her car. Officers checking cars in the lot found several cars with guns in plain view, including one with three visible guns.

On Feb. 26, officers responded to the intersection next to the property on a report of several gunshots at the club. When they arrived, there were more than 200 cars and hundreds of people. Later that night, Columbus firefighters entered the site and saw overcrowding and a collapsed wall.

Authorities noted additional fire code violations and determined the property to be unsafe and ordered patrons to leave. After that, a large fight started inside and security officers began pepper spraying the crowd, causing panic.

On March 5, after another crowd was ordered to leave, officers responded to the scene of a double homicide just blocks from the property involving patrons of the club.

Klein told NBC4 the club was not only a danger to attendees, but the surrounding community.

“This is an important message for folks that are operating illegal businesses in the city of Columbus that not only are you breaking the law by operating the business, but your business could jeopardize the lives of the patrons, but also jeopardize public safety for the community around you — and that’s what gets on our radar screen,” Klein said.

If the property owners fail to comply with the order to shut down, they’ll be held in contempt of court.