University of Mississippi police arrested a university student at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium this past Saturday for alcohol-related charges and for failure to comply with a lawful order. An observer recorded a brief portion of the arrest and distributed the recording on social media. Some social media and other outlets have wrongly reported that the student was arrested for possession of a state flag, which is not a crime.
The student, Dylan Wood, was initially contacted by stadium security because he was displaying a flag in the stands in violation of longstanding stadium policy that prohibits flags, banners, signs, umbrellas or other objects that may obstruct the view of other fans. Consistent with stadium policy, security officers instructed Wood to leave the stadium or to relinquish the flag.
Officers escorted Wood to the concourse, where Wood failed to comply with the officers’ instructions. During their encounter, officers also observed that Wood, who is under the age of 21, appeared to be intoxicated. During the arrest, officers found a flask containing alcohol. Wood was charged with failure to comply (disorderly conduct), public drunkenness and possession of alcohol by a minor.
For more information about the University of Mississippi’s stadium policies, please visit http://www.olemisssports.com/facilities/ole-facilities-vhs-rules.html.