Lake Of The Ozarks Fishermen Duck For Cover As Man Allegedly Shoots At Them From The Shore

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — A man from Sunrise Beach was arrested last week after allegedly firing a shot at two fishermen on Lake of the Ozarks.

According to a probable cause statement, two individuals were fishing for catfish late Tuesday, Aug. 20, when a man across the cove began yelling and threatening to shoot if they approached the dock.

"After a few threats, I called 911," one of the victims stated.

The Camden County Dispatch received the call at 9:04 p.m, and threats reportedly continued during the call.

"At one point I looked back over at the house to see a man aiming a gun, located between the house and car," said the second victim in the statement. "After seeing this [we] crouched down behind the walls of the boat. Minutes later a shot was fired."

The first victim corroborated this, saying, "I was on with dispatch trying to figure out the address. I was put on hold and heard a gunshot."

Deputy David Shoemaker arrived at the scene at 9:19 p.m., where he detained 24-year-old Levi Coats, who was allegedly standing next to a .22 caliber rifle. Shoemaker reported that Coats appeared to be camping outside the residence and had a fire going.

Coats allegedly admitted to firing a round into the water, claiming he was unaware of the boat and was trying to scare off raccoons. He also reportedly told jail staff that he had been drinking.

Coats was booked into the Camden County Sheriff’s Office at 10:12 p.m. and faces multiple charges, including:

- Two counts of 1st Degree or Attempt of Assault

- Unlawful Use of Weapon

- Armed Criminal Action

His bond is set at $100,000.