Headlines
OPD Makes Arrest after Gun Discharges at Round Table
The Oxford Police Department made an arrest Saturday night after a gun discharged in the Round Table, a restaurant and bar on the Oxford Square.
Robert Hollis, 24, was taken into custody without incident on a felony charge of shooting into an occupied building or dwelling, according to a statement from OPD. Hollis was given an initial appearance in front of a Justice Court Judge with bail set at $10,000.
“A round was shot off inside and there were no injuries,” said police chief Joey East. “At this time we believe the shot was fired unintentionally.”
A .45 semiautomatic handgun was retrieved from the scene. East said it can be difficult for anyone, including bouncers, to notice a concealed handgun.
“It can be hard, especially when it is concealed,” he said. “And we certainly don’t encourage anyone to go into a restaurant or anything with a concealed handgun.”
Investigators are still reviewing the details of the case and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Michael Quirk is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at michael.quirk@hottytoddy.com.
Jeff
January 26, 2015 at 2:02 pm
The comment from Police Chief Joey East was a bit confusing: “It can be hard, especially when it is concealed,” he said. “And we certainly don’t encourage anyone to go into a restaurant or anything with a concealed handgun.”
Per SEC 45-9-101, Persons authorized to carry a concealed handgun can carry in most establishments, and SEC 97-37-7 authorizes those who qualify to carry concealed in restaurants like Round Table.
If people are authorized to carry per the legal codes above, they have the right to carry. While Robert Hollis may have violated the concealed carry statute, he most certainly violated the firearm discharge one, but the comment that “We certainly don’t encourage ANYONE” is not an accurate reflection of the law.
Kevin
January 26, 2015 at 2:07 pm
It is apparent that this person was not “legally” carrying a concealed gun at the time it was discharged, but it is important to note whether he was illegally carrying a concealed handgun when he entered the restaurant. Those of us who are law abiding, safety conscious gun owners and concealed carry permit holders who follow the laws and rules would appreciate that distinction in the news reports. Regardless of his permit status, this man broke all the safety rules, but until the media begins to differentiate the morons from the responsible gun owners, we will be lumped into one category.
Laura
January 26, 2015 at 5:07 pm
The law may allow one to carry, but they can still discourage people from doing it. There are a lot of things which are legal but not encouraged.
Laura
January 26, 2015 at 5:15 pm
By my reading, concealed carry permits do not allow carrying in places which serve alcohol
http://www.dps.state.ms.us/firearms/firearms-permit-unit/§-45-9-101-license-to-carry-concealed-pistol-or-revolver/
Mike
January 28, 2015 at 12:11 pm
Laura, in MS it depends on whether the permit holder has received the training and carries an “Instructor Certified” enhanced permit. In that case establishments that serve alcohol as their primary means of generating revenue ARE NOT off limits. Media recklessness is a given…but the Chief’s words were a bit off topic and superfluous.
Mike
January 28, 2015 at 12:13 pm
Let me amend my last statement, I meant to say “The media’s representation of the Chief’s words were off topic and superfluous.” I don’t know what the chief really said…