AVA, Mo. – An Ava man faces felony assault and child endangerment charges following an alleged Sept. 18 altercation on County Road 444 in Douglas County.
Cameron Adam Amos, 21, is charged with first degree assault or attempted first degree assault, two counts of first degree endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of first degree trespassing, according to a probable cause statement filed by Douglas County sheriff’s Deputy Sam Evans.
According to the statement, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 10:21 a.m. Sept. 18 reporting that Amos had allegedly attacked his mother, choked her and frightened one of her children. Authorities were also told a child had retrieved a rifle during the incident.
Evans and Lt. James Nelson responded to a residence on County Road 444 off Highway DD. The woman reportedly told deputies she had repeatedly instructed Amos to leave the property but he refused. Deputies later located Amos at another property on Private Drive 4115, where he was taken into custody.
According to the probable cause statement, Amos told deputies he and his mother had argued after she told him to leave. Amos reportedly said his mother struck him in the head. When asked whether he had placed his hands around her throat or attempted to strangle her, Amos said he did not remember before invoking his right to remain silent.
The woman alleged in a written statement that Amos attempted to strike her after she told him he was trespassing. She said she slapped Amos and struggled with him before pushing him onto an outdoor bench.
She further alleged Amos then stood up and strangled her with both hands. During the confrontation, her 13 year old son reportedly came outside carrying the family’s .22 caliber rifle and ordered Amos to get away from his mother. Amos then left the property, according to the statement.
Judge Elizabeth A. Bock issued a warrant Sept. 18 and set Amos’ bond at $5,000 cash. Court records state he was ordered to have no contact with the confidential victims or their property and must have a court approved home plan before release.
The warrant was served Sept. 19. Amos was arraigned Sept. 21, and attorney Chase Edmond Opolka entered an appearance on his behalf and filed a request for discovery.
A bond reduction hearing originally scheduled for Sept. 24 was continued. A counsel status hearing is now scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 8 before Bock in Douglas County Circuit Court.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
