Couple from Ava Accused of Threatening Neighbor, Creating a Homemade Bomb

Two people from Ava are in police custody accused of several felonies, including being in possession of a pipe bomb.

35-year-old Joshua Bettis and 40-year-old Tabitha Medlock were arrested late Monday night, July 17.

A neighbor had called in a report of shots fired after alleging they heard a gunshot go off inside the home.

When police arrived, Bettis was yelling outside the home. He was ordered to surrender to police, and after a short standoff cooperated, along with Medlock.

Investigators searched the home, discovering numerous firearms, hundred of rounds of ammunition and bulletproof vests.

During the search, one member of law enforcement conducted a search of an ammo can, which contained a pipe bomb.

The bomb squad was called in to inspect and defuse the bomb.

Bettis is charged with:

• Three counts of first-degree assault
• Three counts of armed criminal action
• One count of unlawful possession of a weapon
• One count of unlawful use of a weapon

Medlock is facing one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon.

Both suspects are scheduled for a bond reduction hearing on Friday, July 28.