Crime
23-year-old Bobby Lucas killed during large Pike County party shooting
PIKE COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during a large private party attended by several hundred people in Pike County.
The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Bobby Lee David Mircle Lucas, a resident of Dothan, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday at a private event venue known as Hideaways, located on Gardner Bassett Road.
Sheriff Russell Thomas said that between 300 and 350 people were inside the venue when shots were fired. “We knew there was a huge party being planned,” Thomas said. “It was well advertised. We had seen the flyers, and we were very concerned. Unfortunately, what we feared might happen did.”
Lucas reportedly attempted to escape the gunfire and made it to the front door before collapsing.
He was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Two deputies who were patrolling nearby arrived on the scene almost immediately after shots were fired. “Once the shooting started, it was a mass exodus,” Thomas explained. “Everyone got in their cars and left.”
Investigators remained at the location until approximately 6 a.m., processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff Thomas noted that because the event center is privately owned, its operators are not required to hold a business or liquor license.
He said the individuals organizing the party were from Birmingham, and attendees had traveled from across central and southern Alabama, including Montgomery, Mobile, and Dothan.
“It’s a really tough situation,” Thomas said. “It’s tragic to see a young man lose his life over something that could have been prevented. When you mix alcohol, marijuana, and large groups of young people, it’s a recipe for disaster.”
The sheriff called for state legislation to regulate private event venues, noting that similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in Alabama. “We need the legislature to step in because these things are happening all over the state,” he said.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact Pike County Sheriff’s Office detectives at 334-566-4347.
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.