CAMDEN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an exchange of gunfire at a rural Missouri residence.
On June 14, deputies were dispatched to the 1000 block of Velvet Antler Road, North of Camdenton, for a report of shots fired, according to a media release.
The reporting party informed the sheriff's office communications their neighbor was firing a gun at their residence.
Upon arrival, deputies announced their presence and began approaching the residence where the gunfire originated.
The deputies heard a gunshot and announced their presence again. The deputies heard another shot and observed the muzzle flash of the firearm came from behind a nearby vehicle.
Deputies gave repeated commands and a man appeared from behind the vehicle with his hands raised.
Deputies detained the man and identified him as 62-year-old Gary L Roethler.
During their investigation deputies found a Ruger .357 Magnum revolver in Roethler’s pocket containing several spent cartridges. The Ruger had a red laser sight on it.
Deputies also located an open box of .357 Magnum cartridges on the hood of Roethler’s vehicle.
The reporting party on scene explained they fired their own firearm at an animal near their chicken coop on their property. Immediately after they fired, Roethler began firing in their direction and yelled at them if there was going to be another civil war that he (Roethler) would start it and that he had lasers pointed at them and other threats.
Roethler was arrested and transported to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility on requested charges that include Class D Felony of 2nd Degree Assault, the Class E Felony of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felony Armed Criminal Action. He is being held on a $100,000 surety bond.