Oct 2, 2008

The Ava Police Department released information this week identifying the “BB Bandit” as 38-year-old Kenny E. Matchell. A formal arrest was made on Sept. 19 concerning recent business window damage. Damage was reported to the Ava Police Department during the months of June, July and August, consisting of broken storefront windows caused by BB shots. The combined cost of damage at the time of this release amounts to over $6,400, according to Sgt. Denny Hall, of the Ava Police Dept. Matchell was arrested on Aug. 22 by Sgt. Keith Jones of the Missouri State Highway Patrol while investigating a traffic violation and BB gun damage to a mailbox outside the city limits. Upon further investigation, Sgt. Jones collected evidence tying Matchell to the damages in the city as well. Matchell was originally charged with the misdemeanor of discharging of a weapon in the city limits, with further investigation pending. On Sept. 19 Matchell arrived for his scheduled municipal court date where he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge and was assessed a fine through municipal court. As he exited the municipal court room, Sgt. Hall arrested Matchell on five felony counts of 1st degree property damage for the window damages. Matchell was booked and released to the Douglas County Sheriff's Department on $50,000 bond with the possibility of further charges pending. Matchell is currently being held in the Douglas County Jail. On behalf of the Ava Police Dept., Sgt. Hall expressed appreciation to the public and to Sgt. Jones for providing information and assisting in this ongoing investigation.