OKEECHOBEE — Clues and information are being sought into an early morning incident in which a window at a local veterinarian’s office was shot out.

A report by Deputy Marcus Collier, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), stated the incident at the Northlake Veterinary Hospital, 1107 U.S. 441 S.E., may have occurred during the early morning hours on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

The deputy’s report indicated someone who lives in the area heard “... a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot.” But, when they looked outside they did not see or hear anything else.

While searching for clues, OCSO Deputy Nathaniel Mitchell found a spent .45 caliber shell casing in the grass beside the driveway that leads to the vet’s office. The casing was collected and logged in as evidence.

The deputy’s report went on to state a bullet hole was found in an inside wall across from the front window. The report does not indicate if the actual bullet was found.

Deputy Collier’s report stated the tempered safety glass window was 58-inches x 58-inches and was a quarter-of-an-inch thick. The estimate to replace the glass was set at $350, and it was going to cost an additional $150 to have someone board-up the window until the glass could be replaced.

The deputy’s report indicated an employee saw the shattered window as they were preparing to open the business at 7:48 a.m. Deputy Collier said when he checked, the front door to the business was still locked.

A walk-through of the interior of the hospital by deputies and the employee apparently found nothing was out of place or missing.

If anyone has information concerning this case, they are asked to contact the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office at 863-763-3117.