MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- Eight people were arrested this past weekend following a near riot in the parking lot of a Murfreesboro night club.
Every available Murfreesboro police officer was called to the scene of a brawl early Sunday morning at the club Main Street Live on West Main downtown. In all, more than 15 officers responded, including officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department.
Officers described a chaotic scene with multiple fights underway in the club’s parking lot as they arrived. Officers estimated that about 300 people were involved.
Among those arrested were five past and current Middle Tennessee State University football players.
Police reports indicate that one of those players repeatedly charged at officers and had to be subdued before being arrested. Another reportedly took a swing at officers during the melee and had to be pepper-sprayed before he was arrested.
MTSU football coach Rick Stockstill released a statement concerning the incident yesterday afternoon saying he was “disappointed.” Stockstill went on to say he takes the situation seriously, but will gather more information before making any decisions.
MPD spokesman Kyle Evans says the department will work with the club to avoid similar incidents in the future.
“We’re going to be strictly enforcing under age consumption laws and other alcohol related laws. We have actually dedicated some overtime toward that task over the next several weeks.”
Evans says charges in the incident included disorderly conduct, public intoxication, resisting arrest, evading arrest and underage consumption.
The eight individuals charged were taken to the Rutherford County Jail for booking. Court appearances in the case are scheduled for late March and early April.