News Summary
Chaos ensued at Booth’s Barbecue and Yard in Oxford when gunfire broke out during a crowded event, leading to one arrest and the recovery of multiple firearms. Despite the alarming situation, no injuries were reported. Police reacted swiftly, conducting traffic stops and addressing safety violations linked to event organizers. The Oxford Police Department is investigating the incident, highlighting community safety concerns for future public gatherings.
Oxford – Chaos erupted at Booth’s Barbecue and Yard on South Lamar Boulevard during an event late Saturday night, August 31, 2025, when gunfire broke out, leading to one arrest and multiple citations. The Oxford Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of shots fired at approximately 12:32 a.m.
The disorder unfolded as large crowds gathered for the popular event, resulting in severe traffic congestion and numerous pedestrian violations on South Lamar Court and surrounding city streets, affecting nearby businesses as well. In response, approximately 20 officers were deployed to manage the situation and restore order.
Gunfire was recorded around 12:47 a.m., prompting an immediate reaction from law enforcement already present at the scene. Despite the alarming circumstances, no injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. During the chaos, officers conducted a total of 42 traffic stops, recovering over 10 firearms in the process.
In connection with the shooting, Antwan Terrell Tompkins, a 19-year-old from Tupelo, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Prior to the shooting incident, another individual, Dezreke Meyel Douglas, 20, from Horn Lake, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon at the venue.
Event organizers faced legal repercussions as well. Tyler Bogan (23, Okolona), Keith Jackson (22, Greenville), and Brandon Lott (23, Oxford) were cited for noise violations and failure to provide adequate security at the event. Additionally, the venue owner, Josh Booth (42, Batesville), was cited for several safety-related violations, including inadequate security measures and planning.
The swift response of the police was highlighted by Police Chief Jeff McCutchen, who commended the officers for their effective action to ensure the safety of the community amidst the chaos. The department is currently investigating the entire incident and is asking anyone with photos, videos, or related information to reach out to them at 662-232-2400 or through CrimeStoppers at 662-234-8477.
This event marks a significant security concern for local authorities, especially considering the large draw of attendees to community events. The Oxford Police Department continues to encourage safety and cooperation from the public in order to prevent future occurrences of violence in local gatherings.
The community anxiously awaits further details on the investigation, and concerns have been raised regarding the overall safety measures in place for large public events in Oxford, Alabama. As the investigation unfolds, steps may be taken to improve security protocols for future occasions.
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Additional Resources
- Desoto County News
- 6abc
- Philly Burbs
- Levittown Now
- Free Press
- Wikipedia: Oxford
- Google Search: Oxford shooting events
- Google Scholar: shootings in public places
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gun violence
- Google News: shooting news
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
