The city of Drew’s former police chief is no longer facing charges for his role in a shootout in Southaven that occurred nearly three years ago.
Officials announced Tuesday morning that Terry Tyler has been cleared of wrongdoing following an October 14, 2022 incident at a DeSoto County restaurant. Tyler was reportedly off-duty and attending a family member’s birthday party when a confrontation escalated.
An unidentified male subject was reported as being highly intoxicated and showing signs of violence at the unnamed establishment. The man allegedly went to his vehicle, grabbed a firearm, and began shooting at the restaurant due to a spat he had inside.
Tyler discharged his gun and left the subject with injuries that ultimately hospitalized him. The shooting victim was in critical condition at the time, but ended up making a full recovery.
The officer did not face any charges until two years later when newly elected DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton reviewed the case and decided to bring forth aggravated assault charges against Tyler, and his brother-in-law, Norman McBee.
After review, it was determined that the two took justified measures to ensure public safety. Tyler’s attorney, Michael Carr, told WREG that he plans to seek the former chief’s reinstatement to his old post in Drew — a small town with a population of around 1,700 residents.
At the time of publication, the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office had not responded to a request for comment from SuperTalk Mississippi News.