Tennessee – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirmed that four individuals were identified after being caught on security cameras at the Reelfoot Lake spillway gate in Lake County on Aug. 24, 2025, at approximately 11 p.m.
TWRA Col. Dale Grandstaff said the public’s assistance played a key role in the identification. “We want to thank the public for their numerous tips that led to the quick identification of those involved,” he stated.
Names of the individuals will not be released pending further investigation. TWRA officials said they are working with the local District Attorney’s office and Agency partners to finalize the case.
The incident came to light the following morning when TWRA staff were notified at approximately 8 a.m. on Aug. 25 that a spillway gate was open and discharging.
The Agency immediately contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to confirm whether the gate had been opened for management purposes. After receiving confirmation that it should not have been open, TWRA staff initiated a manual shutdown procedure.
Surveillance video later showed four males entering the area through a rear gate. Once inside the compound, they accessed the manual override switch controlling the spillway gate and opened one gate to full capacity.