Sep 11, 2008

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a multiple assault incident that occurred last Saturday night north of Ava, and the possible link to the burning of a house. Information released by the Sheriff’s Office said officers received a call at about 11 p.m., Saturday reporting an assault in progress at the Cecil Maggard residence north of Ava. Officers arrived to find three male victims had been assaulted. Two were taken to the hospital by ambulance and a third by private vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Office. At the same time, a female whose name is being withheld in the investigation, was found in an upstairs bedroom at the residence. Officers also discovered that a flammable liquid had been poured throughout the residence, but no fires were set, the report said. About 2½ hours later, however, a call came in reporting that the same residence, located at Midway on Old Highway 5 at Bryant Creek, was on fire. Officers returned to find it completely involved in fire. No one was at or in the residence at that time, and the Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist in the investigation. Ava Police reported that one of the assault victims was found at Go Convenience in Ava at 11:21 p.m., and was taken to the hospital by ambulance with serious injuries. This week, the Sheriff’s Office identified that individual as Steven Carnall. The other victim transported by ambulance was identified as Russell Waters. Cecil Maggard was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. No charges have been filed, but authorities are looking for three male subjects and one female identified as perpetrators in the incident.