The aggravated assault charge against Drew Police Chief Terry Tyler has been dismissed.
This follows a tumultuous and public legal battle that began with an alleged shooting incident at a restaurant in DeSoto County in 2022.
Tyler’s attorney, Michael Carr, revealed that the dismissal came as multiple witnesses, whom he said may have never been interviewed by law enforcement, came forward to advise that Tyler protected them and was not the initial aggressor.
The chaotic shooting incident at the Red Hook Cajun Seafood restaurant in Southaven apparently took place on October 14, 2022 during a family celebration for Tyler's sister’s birthday.
An “intoxicated” and “aggressive” patron threatened other customers, Tyler told The Enterprise-Tocsin, prompting Tyler to identify himself as a police officer. In the ensuing confrontation, the individual allegedly fired a shot into the restaurant, leading Tyler to engage in what he said was self-defense to protect himself and the other patrons present.
"Chief Tyler defended an entire restaurant full of patrons from an intoxicated and violent person,” Carr said. “Fortunately, the chief was trained to handle this critical incident and has been a firearms instructor for many years. This is a prime example of a good guy with a gun defending a restaurant from a bad guy with a gun.”
The indictment, which Tyler described as both “shocking and embarrassing,” led to his placement on unpaid administrative leave. He expressed frustration over the manner of his arrest, feeling it was a politically-charged action rather than a legitimate criminal charge.
"I called it political (B.S.)," Tyler said, emphasizing his commitment to public safety and the integrity of his long career in law enforcement.
While the charges have been dismissed, the impact on Tyler’s reputation remains significant. He faced a public backlash following his arrest, with media coverage highlighting the allegations against him. Carr criticized the media's portrayal, noting that Tyler was treated as a criminal despite acting in defense of innocent lives.
Looking ahead, the city board has decided to table the decision on whether to reinstate Tyler until the March 4 board meeting. This postponement allows for further consideration of the implications surrounding the case and its effects on the community and police department.
