Tree House closed after fight where shots fired

Published 8:52 am Sunday, November 11, 2018

The Tree House Banquet Hall, 1837 Cherry St., has been closed by the city until further notice after a fight at the business where shots were fired, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said Sunday.

Vicksburg police Lt. Johnnie Edwards said officers were called the business about the incident about 2 a.m. Sunday. No one was injured, he said.

According to police reports, the fight began as the building was closing, and security at the event for the evening made the combatants leave. Once everyone was outside, someone fired several shots, which hit the building.

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“We don’t know if the shots were fired by someone involved in the fight or if they were fired by someone else,” Edwards said.

He said the incident is still under investigation, and the people who fired the shots will be charged.

Flaggs said the business will remain closed until the owner meets with him and Police Chief Milton Moore and presents a memorandum of understanding outlining a plan for improving security.

The Tree House is the fourth business closed by the city in the wake of a violent incident. L.D.’s Lounge, the Klondyke and American Legion Post 3 have been closed after similar incidents and allowed to reopen after filing agreements to increase security to prevent future incidents.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the Vicksburg Police Department at (601) 636-2511 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477) or 1-866-481-8477.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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