PIKE COUNTY, Ala. — A festive gathering turned tragic early Sunday morning after a shooting claimed the life of a 23-year-old man during a large private party in Pike County. The victim, identified as Bobby Lee David Mircle Lucas of Dothan, was fatally shot at a crowded event that drew hundreds of attendees, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 12:30 a.m. at Hideaways, a private event venue on Gardner Bassett Road. Sheriff Russell Thomas said between 300 and 350 people were inside when the shooting erupted. “We knew there was a huge party being planned,” Thomas said. “It was well advertised. We had seen the flyers, and we were very concerned. Unfortunately, what we feared might happen did.”
Authorities said Lucas tried to escape the chaos, making it to the front door before collapsing. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Two deputies who were patrolling nearby arrived moments after the shooting began, but the scene quickly descended into confusion as hundreds of people fled. “Once the shooting started, it was a mass exodus,” Thomas said. “Everyone got in their cars and left.”
Investigators worked through the early morning hours, collecting evidence and speaking to witnesses until around 6 a.m. Despite these efforts, no arrests have been made as of Monday, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing individuals who attended the event in hopes of identifying the suspect.
Sheriff Thomas explained that Hideaways, as a privately owned venue, is not required to hold a business or liquor license, a factor that complicates regulation and oversight. He added that the organizers were from Birmingham and had drawn attendees from across the state, including Montgomery, Mobile, and Dothan. “It’s tragic to see a young man lose his life over something that could have been prevented,” Thomas said. “When you mix alcohol, marijuana, and large groups of young people, it’s a recipe for disaster.”
Calling the situation preventable, Thomas urged state lawmakers to pass legislation regulating private event venues to prevent similar tragedies. “We need the legislature to step in because these things are happening all over the state,” he said. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Pike County Sheriff’s Office at 334-566-4347.