Clay County investigators say three buildings at Smithville Lake in Clay County Parks were broken into and rummaged through on the same day last month, with tools, keys to heavy equipment and other items reported stolen. Investigators said the break-ins also caused significant damage to the facilities.

After the burglaries, deputies increased patrols in the area. Two nights later, at about 1:15 a.m., a deputy spotted a vehicle with broken tail lamps driving near the scene of the earlier crimes. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, investigators said the driver fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that ended on Mount Olivet Road near NE 132nd Street.

Deputies arrested the driver and searched the vehicle, where they said they found keys and a set of bolt cutters stolen from County Parks. Investigators also recovered what they described as burglary tools, including a pry bar, saw, slim jims used to access locked vehicles, pliers and a skull-shaped mask. Authorities said they also found additional evidence that could connect the suspect to crimes in other cities.

Aaron A. Quinn, 46, has been charged with resisting arrest by fleeing and possession of burglary tools. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed. Officials said theft and damage to public property affect the entire community, and they praised the deputies and investigators who worked to stop the crime pattern quickly.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Clay County Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites has begun the development of a comprehensive Master Plan designed to set clear goals, objectives, and strategies for the future management and growth of its parks system. The plan aims to provide direction for the department by forecasting community needs and outlining an actionable path forward.

To execute this initiative, the county has engaged CHM Government Services, PROS Consulting, RDG Planning & Design, and ETC Institute, bringing together expertise in government services, planning, and public engagement. The resulting Master Plan will serve as the guiding vision for the agency, including recommendations backed by research and data, as well as measurable actions that are straightforward for staff and stakeholders to interpret and implement.

Public participation is a key component of the planning process, with opportunities for engagement from county staff, key stakeholders, elected officials, and community members. A notable opportunity to share input will be at the 30th annual Eagle Days event at Smithville Lake, which features live eagle programs presented by Operation Wildlife.

Residents are invited to visit the project booth to offer ideas and feedback. Eagle Days will be held Saturday, January 3 at the Paradies Pointe Golf Course Clubhouse, located at 18212 Golf Course Drive in Smithville, Missouri.

For further details about the Master Plan and opportunities to participate, visit the Clay County Parks and Historical Sites Master Plan project website at Engage RDG.

Clay County Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites manages over 6,000 acres of parkland, including two championship golf courses, 80.5 miles of trails, 752 campsites, two marinas, swim beaches, docks, shelters at Smithville Lake, two museums, historic sites, and parks such as Rocky Hollow and Tryst Falls located between Kearney and Excelsior Springs. For questions, contact John Davis, Parks Director at parks@claycountymo.gov.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.