Promoter Arrested Over Bad Ad

Tobious Blackwell rented Club Sinsations for a party July 13, noting in a flier that outside security was “provided by JPD,” according to police records obtained by the Jackson Sun.

Instead, the club’s owner reportedly requested a special patrol the night of the party in lieu of security.

A police officer on patrol in the area heard gunshots around 1 a.m. and found a man lying in the parking lot outside the venue with gunshot wounds, authorities said. Police Capt. Tyreece Miller told the Sun Blackwell’s flier was misleading to those in attendance.

“It’s the police department’s position that, in advertising this party, then stating security will be provided by JPD, Mr. Blackwell misled the public and used the police department,” Miller said. Blackwell was charged with deceptive business practices, a misdemeanor. If convicted, he could face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

But the promoter told the Sun it was all a misunderstanding.

“As I promoted this party online, I explained online that police would be patrolling every hour,” he said. “I wanted to keep away people who would start problems; that was my point for putting that JPD would be patrolling on the flier.” He added that metal detectors were in place at the door and said the shooting was the only incident that’s ever occurred at one of his events. “This could have happened anywhere,” he said. “This could have happened with armed security, with police there or not there — you can’t stop a fool from being a fool.”