Rodeo participants reportedly roped and tied suspicious men until law arrived

A suspicious incident at a rodeo Friday night in Gainesville is currently being investigated by the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office. 

Ozark County Chief Deputy Winston Collins said Monday he could not comment on the case or provide any details, but rodeo attendees have taken to social media to say they were troubled by a group of men who were reportedly offering children candy and photographing them. 

One rodeo patron said some of the men participating in the rodeo ended up roping the suspects and tying them up until officers could respond. 

The Times has been unable to verify the details of the rodeo attendees’ reports. 

Collins said the case is still under investigation, and if charges are filed, details will be provided in a  probable cause statement. If that happens, the Times will provide updates in an upcoming edition. 

Ozark County Times

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PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423