Man allegedly brings gun to banquet

Posted 12/5/22

On Saturday, Dec. 3, an altercation took place at a banquet being held at the Okeechobee KOA...

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Man allegedly brings gun to banquet

Posted

OKEECHOBEE — On Saturday, Dec. 3, an altercation took place at a banquet being held at the Okeechobee KOA that led the attendees to run from the building screaming.

According to the arrest affidavit, Deputy B. Rhodes responded to 4276 U.S. 441 S. (KOA) in reference to a disturbance delayed. Dispatch had advised that there were two black males fighting in the banquet hall and one of them possibly had a gun.

Upon arrival, multiple people were seen exiting the building and leaving the KOA. Deputies Rhodes, T. Cox, and I. Sanchez walked the entire property searching for the individuals but were unable to locate the suspects.

Deputy Rhodes then made contact with the customer who held the banquet who advised that an unknown female approached him and said that he had disrespected her father. The customer claims he then said that he did not want any trouble and proceeded to approach the woman’s father and advised him to tell his daughter to stop disrespecting his name. The unknown male then allegedly stood up and attempted to push the customer but missed and then said, “Don’t worry about it, I’m strapped.” The head of the banquet advised that they were then separated and the unknown man left the building.

According to the customer's statement, the unknown male returned to the banquet hall with two other individuals and sat back down at a table. He advises that as soon as they were seated a woman started screaming and saying there was a gun and everyone started screaming and running for the doors.

The customer stated, “I do not want anybody charged, this whole thing was just a mixup. Also, just to be clear, the individual never showed me a gun or never reached for a gun.”

Another person witnessed the altercation between the unknown male and the customer, and saw the unknown  male leave wearing a white hat, black shirt and blue jeans. The witness advises that the unknown male may have beein using an alias at the event.

Several people took to the Friends Who Like Okeechobbe KOA Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1680273012257169/permalink/3415712322046554/) to  warn those who stay in the park. . Twyla Wampler writes, “Two armed police officers just approached me in bath house/laundry 2. Possible armed suspects on the loose in the park, everyone lock your doors! There was apparently a fight in the convention center, someone pulled a gun. I’m assuming a private event happening there.”

Several expressed concern over the safety practices in place in the park:

“The resident need to get a petition started. To keep gate closed. How is it that residents need a remote to get in, but the gate is left open for everyone else.” - Margaret Shively

“Thanks Twyla Wampler. Maybe the park should reconsider the rental of CC or at least have security for events.” - Pam Brobeck Warner

Due to conflicting statements, unknown suspect, and lack of cooperation OCSO has closed this case until more information can be provided.

It should be noted that the banquet being held was not by KOA but from an outside group that rented the banquet hall.

KOA, gun, fight, altercation, crime, OCSO, Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office

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