Two students arrested after fight on campus

Two students at the University of Southern Mississippi, one being a quarterback for the Golden Eagle football team, were arrested Wednesday afternoon following an on-campus fight that involved two guns, according to the University Police Department. 

Freshman Anthony Alford was arrested and charged with aggravated assault,  and junior Korey Hathorn was charged with felony possession of a weapon on campus by a student. Both were being held in the Forrest County Jail without bond Wednesday night.

University Police Chief Bob Hopkins said that the fight, which took place in front of the Walker Science Building, was reported around 11 a.m. Wednesday and involved four people. Hopkins would not release the names of two other suspects Wednesday who had not yet been arrested.  No one was injured in the fight. 

“As calls continued to come in, it developed into an issue where an individual apparently drew a weapon and made some threats,” Hopkins said. “It [the altercation] seems to be a  simmering problem that’s been going on for a few weeks.” 

Hopkins said that as police worked the scene and interviewed witnesses, one officer spotted a “possible suspect” remove a gun from his vehicle, put it in his pants and start walking away. He said officers called for backup and arrested Hathorn near the former printing center and Johnson Science Tower. 

Hopkins added that another gun was found under a vehicle in a nearby parking lot. 

After further investigation, Alford was identified as a “principal in the incident” and arrested for aggravated assault. 

“The aggravated assault charge is the result of a weapon being used in a threatening manner,” Hopkins said. “It’s a little early to say who the gun belonged to.” 

Dr. Eddie Holloway, Dean of Students at Southern Miss, spoke Wednesday afternoon at a press conference about the future of the Alford and Hathorn at the university. 

“Both are on interim suspension awaiting their hearing with the Dean of Student’s office,” Holloway said. “Suspension and expulsion are possibilities.” 

Holloway said he did not know whether or not Alford would be able to remain a member of the Golden Eagle football team. 

“That’s an athletic process,” Holloway said. “I have no knowledge of that.” 

Though Southern Miss Athletic Director Jeff Hammond was unavailable for comment Wednesday, he released a statement regarding Alford’s arrest. 

“We are aware of the circumstances regarding the arrest of student-athlete Anthony Alford,” Hammond said. “This is a most unfortunate incident; however, we fully support our university’s prescribed due process.”

Coming out of high school, Alford was one of the most sought after athletes in the country, rated a four star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com. During his freshman campaign, Alford started in five saw time in nine games, accounting for nearly 1,000 yards of offense and eight touchdowns. Alford, a two-sport athlete, also plays professional baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays organization after being drafted in the third round of June’s MLB draft.