More Detail On Bryant Purvis' Arrest

Police still investigating Hebron fight involving Jena 6 student
By Chris Roark, Staff Writer
(Created: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:25 PM CST)

Carrollton police continue to investigate an incident in which Hebron High School senior Bryant Purvis’ tires were deflated last week.

The incident, according to police records, ignited a fight between Purvis and Hebron senior Christopher Jones on Feb. 6. That led to police arresting Purvis, who was one of six students known as the Jena 6 accused of assaulting a white student in Jena, La., in 2006.

Purvis moved to Carrollton last year and lives with his uncle, Dallas Cowboys player Jason Hatcher.

“There is no indication that this is a racially-biased crime,” said Sgt. John Singleton, spokesperson for the Carrollton Police Department. “It just stems from an altercation between two students.”

According to police records, Purvis believed Jones deflated the tires to his vehicle, so he approached him Wednesday morning, grabbed him by the throat and threw him down. Singleton said Jones has visible marks around his neck and bruises around his left eye.

After being questioned, police arrested Purvis and charged him with assault causing bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor. Purvis was transported to the Denton County Detention Facility, where he has posted bond, Singleton said. Singleton said simply letting the air out could lead to a substantial inconvenience charge, which would be a Class C misdemeanor. Using a device to cut the tires could lead to a higher charge.

Meanwhile, Purvis is facing discipline at school. Lewisville ISD spokesman Dean Tackett said Purvis will face the same disciplinary action at school as any other student in this situation would, which is a three-day suspension and seven to 10 days at the Lewisville Learning Center.

“If this was a scuffle, the police wouldn’t have gotten involved,” Tackett said. “But, the police get involved when it’s an assault.”

Tackett said this is the only incident Purvis has been involved in at Hebron that he’s aware of.

Keith Owens, who has a daughter at Hebron, said the incident shocked him.

“When I heard about it, it surprised me,” Owens said. “But, I don’t think it’s isolated to Hebron, because these things happen at all schools.”

Purvis has played on Hebron’s varsity basketball team, and Owens said he has briefly talked to him following a game.

“He seems like a normal kid,” Owens said. “I guess he just lost control, and his emotions got the better of him.”

Purvis is the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer. He will be unable to play while serving the suspension.

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