Kearney Police Identify Suspect in Lion's Park Vandalism

On Sunday, July 11, Kearney Police announced they had identified a suspect believed to be responsible for the vandalism which occurred at Lion’s Park on July 3.

Shortly after noon on Sunday, Kearney Police released a statement which read: “The Kearney Missouri Police Department has truly appreciated all of the tips and information received from the public regarding the vandalism to our community Water Park/Lions Park. Person(s) of interest have been identified. This case is still an active investigation so we cannot release the names of these suspects at this point, but we will release more information once charges are filed.”

City leaders and Parks and Recreation personnel discovered the damage in the early morning hours of July 3. A vandal had spray painted the splashpad, bathrooms, signs and other park property.

When the city revitalized the park, they placed new video cameras around the park. “We can see them [the suspect] on the video,” Parks Director Eric Marshall stated.

Detectives reviewed video and released images of a potential suspect a short time later. Several businesses and individuals offered reward money for anyone who could identify the suspect.

KPGZ News - Jim Dickerson contributed to this story