Arkansas man held in Neelyville bar arson

NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- A Corning, Ark., man has told Butler County authorities he had beer and a cigarette before burning down the Kaboose Bar in Neelyville.

Investigator Tim Davis said Wednesday that Bobby Ogden, 40, faces charges of arson and burglary when he is released from the custody of the Arkansas State Police, who are also pursuing burglary charges against him.

Ogden is suspected of burglarizing G-Maw's Restaurant, Hooterville Bar and the Kaboose Bar in late June and early July before allegedly breaking into the Kaboose Bar a second time July 9, when a gasoline-fueled fire gutted the business. Various items were taken, including beer, cigarettes, a package of meat and change from a pool table and video game machines.

"We had a rash of burglaries in the Neelyville area within several days," Davis said. "Myself and Detective Kellis Thompson were instructed by Sheriff Mark Dobbs to go down there and conduct a full investigation."

The men subsequently learned of a suspect being held by Arkansas authorities for a similar string of burglaries in the Corning area. Davis and Thompson spoke with Ogden twice.

"He admitted his involvement in several burglaries in Neelyville, including Hooterville Bar, G-Maw's and the Kaboose Bar," Davis said, adding Ogden faces four counts of burglary and one count of arson.

Ogden has a lengthy criminal history, Davis said.

A hold has been placed on Ogden so that he will be released to Missouri authorities after facing charges in Arkansas.

Several property items have also been recovered.

Pertinent address:

Neelyville, MO