AVA, Mo. — An Ava man faces charges following a reported domestic disturbance Oct. 23 in which authorities allege he threatened a woman and forced his way into a locked bedroom where she and a juvenile had sought safety.
Wayne Matthew Baldwin was taken into custody following an investigation by the Ava Police Department. According to a probable cause statement filed Oct. 24 in Douglas County Circuit Court, officers responded to a residence in Ava after Douglas County dispatch received a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance.
The caller told dispatch that Baldwin had allegedly taken her cellphone following an argument, prompting her to use an older phone to contact authorities. She reported that she and Baldwin had ended their relationship earlier that day and that he had been drinking.
According to the probable cause statement, the woman and a juvenile sought refuge in a bedroom and locked the door. While the woman was speaking with dispatch, Baldwin allegedly kicked in the bedroom door and continued confronting her.
Ava police officers responding to the call reported hearing yelling and arguing from inside the residence. Officers entered the home and located Baldwin and the woman.
During the investigation, the woman told officers Baldwin had threatened to physically harm her during their earlier confrontation. Officers also documented damage to the bedroom door, including broken wood and displaced hardware.
According to the affidavit, Baldwin was detained at the scene and later transported to the Ava Police Department. Investigators subsequently consulted with the Douglas County prosecuting attorney regarding potential charges.
The probable cause statement identifies two counts of fourth-degree domestic assault and one count of first-degree harassment as the offenses referred for prosecution.
Court records show that a warrant was issued Oct. 24 after Associate Circuit Judge Elizabeth A. Bock determined there was sufficient probable cause to believe a felony had been committed.
The warrant initially ordered Baldwin held without bond under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 33. The court also prohibited contact with the individuals identified in the case and their residence, with a court-approved address required before bond could be established.
According to court records, the warrant was served by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3:45 p.m. Oct. 24.
Baldwin appeared for arraignment Oct. 26. Attorney Chase Edmon Opolka entered an appearance on his behalf and filed a motion for discovery.
A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. before Judge 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.
