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Man Jailed After Being Charged with Assault

Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM

By Scott McCaulley X @smcckc

Photo Courtesy Taney County Sheriff's Office

A shooting incident in Taney County last weekend has left one seriously injured and another in jail.

According to the probable cause statement filed in the case, Merrill C Drake of Forsyth is facing felony assault and armed criminal action charges after the incident which occurred on May 17. The victim and another person went to Drake's house and an argument took place at which time Drake produced a badge and a gun stating he was a Tribal Federal Police Officer.

Drake asked the two to leave and while they did, the victim, who was under the influence of alcohol fell down then eventually got in the vehicle at which time the other person heard gunshots and saw the victim bleeding. In an interview later, Drake claimed the gun went off by accident  as the two were continuing their argument. 

The victim was taken to Cox Medical Center in Branson and later to Cox South in Springfield for surgery. 

Drake is currently being held without bond in the Taney County Jail with his next court appearance scheduled for May 29. 

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