MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Some students at the University of Mississippi are concerned after learning the owner of a popular Oxford bar was charged with kidnapping and sexual battery earlier this month.
Rooster’s Blues House in Oxford is known as one of the top party spots for University of Mississippi students. But the bar’s future could be in question now that the owner has been arrested.
Police were called to the Courthouse Square on April 12 by a young woman who told police a male had sexually assaulted them.
John Scott Michael, 52, was arrested Tuesday after an investigation, police said. He was issued a $50,000 bond.
It’s the talk of the town and students say the talk around campus.
“They’re just saying what happened. They’re just kind of confused. They’re just shocked in a way,” said Laine Owen.
Police wouldn’t tell us whether the victim was a student or known to Michael. They said they don’t want to say much in order to protect the victim’s identity.
Now, the students we spoke with worry about going back to the bar in the future.
“It’s a little bit sketchy maybe going back it, it makes me a little bit scared for my well-being, but we’ll see how it goes,” Owen said.
The security guard at Rooster’s Blues House told us Michael was not there to comment. We made several attempts to reach him but were unsuccessful.
At this point, it’s not clear if he’s posted his bond.
