Fire May Be Retaliation for Biker Shooting

Authorities say they’re still investigating a fire in Kaiser late Tuesday night. Some believe it may be connected to a deadly shooting on the Lake Ozark strip one week ago.

The fire broke out at a building along Highway 42. The Missouri Department of Public Safety said the building has multiple tenants. But prominently displayed on the front of the building is a sign that reads ‘Midwest Drifters – Lake Ozark chapter.’ That’s one of three motorcycle clubs authorities say was involved in a fight that led to a deadly shooting on July 15th.

The fire comes after members of the Midwest Drifters and Galloping Goose motorcycle clubs became involved in a brawl with the Mongols motorcycle club members on the front porch of Casablanca restaurant on the Lake Ozark Strip. That fight escalated into a gun battle, in which a member of the Mongols was killed, and four other people were injured.

Several agencies are investigating the fire, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Officials won’t speculate yet on a cause of the blaze but called it a criminal investigation.