LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Authorities believe the fatal shooting on Thursday night on the Bagnell Dam Strip was gang-related, LakeExpo has learned. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating.

Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry confirmed with LakeExpo that investigators currently believe the shooting was likely gang-related. One male is confirmed dead and four others were injured by the gunfire that happened just before 8 p.m. on Thursday. The city of Lake Ozark emphasized this was an isolated incident and the public does not need to be concerned about their safety.

Newberry added, “I’m sad for our community and for the loss of life. We have several in custody and the investigation will be handled by the MO State Hwy Patrol.” 

This is the second shooting incident on the Strip and the fourth in the area this summer, including a shot fired at a convenience store in June, a man who fired shots into the woods along the Strip while standing in the middle of the street in April, and a fatal shooting at Lazy Gators in late May. It has some concerned about the safety of very popular places at Lake of the Ozarks, like the Strip.

Newberry wants to address those concerns. He told Lake Expo, “We will work hard to assure our residents and vacationers that Lake Ozark is a safe place and that this type of criminal behavior will be addressed quickly. I confirmed with [law enforcement] that were on scene at time of shooting that our officers responded within minutes and took over the scene in conjunction with those off duty officers from [St. Louis] until county and state [law enforcement] arrived. I have never seen that many law enforcement at any location in my life.” He said at least 25-30 law enforcement and medical emergency response vehicles were present.

Lake Ozark officials were quick to note in a press release, “this isolated incident is not the norm for the community.”

More information about the investigation is expected Friday.

VIDEO BELOW: Man arrested after fatal shooting on the Lake Ozark Strip

Officers arrest a man after a fatal shooting on the Lake Ozark Strip, July 15, 2021. Video courtesy a LakeExpo reader. Edited by Lake TV.
0
0
0
1
1

(0 Ratings)