The city of Starkville is implementing new security measures following a weekend shooting that required the victim to be airlifted to medical care.
Officials announced that on Fridays and Saturdays, the Starkville Police Department will operate a “managed access area” in the Cotton District. The enforcement period will run from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Entry requirements include a valid ID, being 18 or older, and a wristband provided at entry points. No backpacks, outside beverages, or masks or face coverings will be permitted in the area.
“This is designed to support public safety in high-traffic areas,” a release from Starkville PD reads. “There will be four designated entry points into the managed access area, with an additional alternate entry that will be opened as needed.”
The entry points will prohibit traffic along some roadways. Officials note that, for those traveling west to University Drive from Barr Avenue, Camp Avenue will be available as an alternate route to bypass the Cotton District. Those traveling north on Colonel Muldrow Drive can travel east toward Barr Avenue and Camp Avenue.
What prompted additional security measures?
Police responded to Maxwell Street near Lummus Drive just before midnight on Saturday, where they found one person suffering from gunshot wounds. The unidentified victim was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
The shooting sparked public outcry online, especially as the gunfire rang out while the city of Starkville was hosting “Super Bulldog Weekend,” an action-packed, days-long event featuring the world’s largest wiener dog race, a home Mississippi State baseball series, and tens of thousands of visitors.
As things stand, four arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Juantel Hughes, 19; Jordyn Barrett, 21; Dewaylon Brooks, 23; and Anthony Davis, 19, are all behind bars. Each is facing an attempted murder charge. The suspects and victim knew each other prior to the shooting, according to police.
