Crime
Brandon Cross arrested in Qulture Bistro nightclub shooting that killed security guard Melvin Gibson
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye has released new details regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at a local nightclub over the weekend.
The incident took place at the Qulture Bistro on Sunday, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to multiple others.
Sheriff Joye confirmed that Brandon Cross has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
According to Florence County Detention Center records, Cross was booked on Tuesday evening.
The Florence County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 39-year-old Melvin Gibson of Florence, who was working as a security guard at the nightclub at the time of the incident.
Coroner Keith von Lutcken also confirmed that six additional individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting.
Their conditions have not been disclosed.
Gibson’s family described him as a devoted father of four, a dedicated worker, and a kind-hearted individual who treated everyone with respect.
According to Sheriff Joye, the violence stemmed from a confrontation between Gibson and a group of individuals who had previous conflicts with him.
The group attempted to gain entry into the Qulture Bistro but were denied access by Gibson, who recognized them and viewed them as a potential threat.
Following the refusal, the group reportedly returned to the parking lot, retrieved three firearms, and initiated a shootout.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in Gibson being fatally struck.
Sheriff Joye indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional arrests are likely as detectives work to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.