American Deli to close at 10 p.m. as it works on 'safety plan,' Selma police chief says

A 24-hour restaurant in Selma that has been the site of two deadly early-morning shootings has agreed to close at 10 p.m. every night, Selma Police Chief Ettice Brickus told the Selma City Council Oct. 13.

Brickus told the city council that American Deli, 405 Highland Ave., will close at 10 p.m. as owners work on a “safety plan.” The restaurant and its parking lot have become a late-night hang out, and violence has broken out on several occasions.   

Three people were killed in a shooting on Oct. 2, and the restaurant was the site of a fatal shooting in June 2024 when a Selma man was killed and four others were injured. Both shootings occurred at around 3 a.m.

City Councilperson Jannie Thomas, whose district includes the restaurant, said that adjoining property owners “will be happy” with the news. Thomas has pressed the restaurant to increase security.

In her first report to the council since being hired, Brickus said that the Selma Police Department has hired an officer and has made an offer to another.

“We need to be more competitive (to recruit police officers),” Brickus said. “We will be in conversation about what that looks like.”

Selma Fire Chief Walter Dailey told the council that his department will continue mapping, checking and repainting the city’s fire hydrants.

In the public comment session, citizen Thayer Spencer said the Selma Water and Sewer Department should be checking the city’s fire hydrants instead of firefighters. Spencer also said the mayor is overpaid considering the size of the city and the high level of poverty. Spencer also asked why the city spends $350,000 on telephones.