DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority board member is facing a misdemeanor battery charge after a confrontation with a former employee outside his Atlantic Avenue business last August. Anthony Tyree Barber, 38, of Boynton Beach, was arrested and booked on August 20, 2025, by the Delray Beach Police Department in connection with the incident at Grooves, his business located at 404 E. Atlantic Ave. Barber was just arrested again — on April 29th, — for allegedly not showing up for a hearing.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the incident began on August 17, 2025, when an ex-employee came to Grooves to pick up her final paycheck. The woman became angry, believing she was not being paid everything she was owed, and Barber asked her to leave. The two ended up on SW 4th Avenue, where police say words were exchanged.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from Delray Beach Police Department cameras, which they say told a different story than Barber’s account. The video showed the woman approaching Barber on SW 4th Avenue, at which point Barber threw the first punch — and continued throwing punches until both parties were in the middle of the street. The woman told officers that Barber struck her multiple times in the face and dragged her on the ground. She sustained visible marks on her arms and neck. According to police, at no point did Barber attempt to retreat.
Barber was charged with Simple Battery and was supposed to be in court earlier this year. He apparently didn’t show up so was just arrested and booked into jail. His status with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority was unclear as of Friday afternoon.
