Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ava police report: 159 calls, a DWI, an assault arrest and discussion of joining Blue Shield program
Summary
Captain Dwayne Butterworth reported 159 calls for service including 52 traffic stops and the arrest of Reuben Cuftis on third-degree assault; the board discussed joining the Blue Shield Community Program, which members noted could make the department eligible for up to $250,000 in grant funding and involves searches for individuals with pending warrants.
At the May 26, 2026 meeting, Captain Dwayne Butterworth presented the Ava Police Department’s activity report, and the Board of Aldermen discussed whether to accept the department into the Blue Shield Community Program.
Buterworth reported 159 calls for service in the period covered by the report, including 52 traffic stops, 18 vehicle/person checks, eight disturbances, six motor vehicle accidents and two DWIs. He also noted a $1,000 MoDOT "Click It or Ticket" grant supporting seatbelt enforcement and that the department received numerous gifts and food during Law Enforcement Week. The minutes record the arrest of Reuben Cuftis, age 42, on a charge of third-degree assault; the minutes state he is being held in the Douglas County jail with no bond.
Board members discussed accepting the Ava Police Department into the Blue Shield Community Program. The minutes state the program would make the department eligible for grant funding of up to $250,000 and "utilizes the police department to detain and search for pending warrants of illegal immigrants." The minutes note that federal funding for the program is currently on hold and that other participating cities have received funding; the board discussed possible uses of funds such as vehicles and vests.
The minutes do not record a formal vote on joining the Blue Shield program at this meeting.
Also noted in the police report: Landon Johnson of Hirsch Farm & Feed donated half the cost of landscaping timbers needed for a new shooting range.
