Crime
55-year-old Dantae Connor charged with voluntary manslaughter in fatal Shooting of Phillip Thomas at Red Dog Saloon
Jackson, TN — A shooting inside the Red Dog Saloon Bar and Grill on January 4, 2025, claimed the life of 32-year-old Phillip Dewayne Thomas.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the establishment located at 1450 South Highland Avenue.
Officers from the Jackson Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the Red Dog Saloon.
Upon arrival, they discovered Mr. Thomas near the entrance of the establishment, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the prompt response of first responders and life-saving efforts, Mr. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witness accounts from the scene provided a description of the suspect and his vehicle. A Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert was issued to local and surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Shortly after, deputies in Crockett County conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description.
The driver, identified as 55-year-old Dantae Connor, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jackson Madison County Criminal Justice Complex.
Connor has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting. He is currently being held in custody and is scheduled for a formal arraignment on Tuesday morning at Jackson City Court.
The Jackson Police Department extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of Phillip Dewayne Thomas.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and everyone impacted by this tragic event. We remain committed to ensuring justice is served,” the department said in a statement.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Jackson Police Department or the Crime Stoppers hotline.
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.