Brett Bates, 21, of Hobart, is facing felony charges after police say he fired approximately 13 rounds from a handgun near Lake George while families, including children, were nearby, causing people to flee for safety.

According to court documents, the incident happened around 5:05 p.m. on August 2 near the Lake George walking trails and rugby fields in Hobart. An off-duty law enforcement officer who was fishing with his two young sons reported hearing seven gunshots before calling police. While still on the phone with the responding officer, the two heard approximately six more gunshots, bringing the total to about 13 shots fired. Believing the rounds were being fired in their direction, the father immediately moved his children to safety, and the children reportedly expressed fear and wanted to leave the area.

Police searched the wooded area and encountered Bates and another man leaving the trails. Both denied hearing gunshots or possessing firearms. After continuing their search, officers discovered a backpack containing a prescription bottle bearing Bates’ name, a .22-caliber Glock handgun, and a half-empty bottle of vodka.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Bates was later detained and allegedly made a spontaneous statement to officers, saying, “I’m sorry, I shot a few rounds into the lake and did not mean to scare anyone.”

Court documents state officers observed Bates displaying signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, the odor of alcohol, poor balance, and difficulty performing simple tasks during the booking process. Police reported the other man showed no signs of impairment and was released.

Charges filed August 3, 2026:

Criminal Recklessness Committed with a Deadly Weapon — Level 6 Felony

Criminal Recklessness — Class A Misdemeanor

Public Intoxication (Endangering the Life of Another) — Class B Misdemeanor