Two arrests and six tickets were issued after an investigation into shots and explosions at a conservation area in northwest Missouri.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Conservation Agents responded April 30 to the Poosey Conservation area.

The sheriff’s department said officers began investigating several people who were allegedly violating laws and rules of the area with multiple gunshots and exploding targets involved.

Samuel J. Southers, 36, Trenton was arrested at the scene.  He has been charged in Livingston County with a felony for alleged Unlawful Use of a Weapon while Intoxicated. He has since posted bond and is scheduled for an arraignment for Wednesday.

Joshua A. Verhagen, 30, Trenton was found allegedly hiding from law enforcement during the investigation at the scene. Verhagen was arrested on 2 outstanding arrest warrants, 1 from Grundy County for alleged Passing Bad Check with bond of $500 and a warrant from Caldwell County for alleged criminal Non-Support with bond set at $1,000 cash.

Four people were issued tickets for being on Department of Conservation areas during restricted hours, 1 person for operating a vehicle in area not designated for such use or travel, and 1 person for shooting unauthorized weapon on public range (exploding target). All 4 are scheduled to appear in Livingston County Associate Court on May 25.