Early Morning Chase Ends with Arrests and Unexpected Revelations

In the quiet hours just after 1 am on Monday, April 13, what began as a routine patrol on 210 Highway quickly escalated into a dramatic pursuit involving two stolen vehicles traveling together. Deputies spotted the cars and attempted to intervene, prompting both drivers to take off in different directions.

The first car sped into Avondale, where it struck a curb and suffered a flat tire. Undeterred, the driver fled into a nearby field near the 3400 block of N. Bellefontaine. As the vehicle came to a halt, both occupants jumped out and sprinted away. While one suspect surrendered, the other tried to outrun law enforcement.

K9 Argos, however, proved to be faster, tracking down and apprehending the fleeing suspect. After being treated for minor bite wounds at the hospital, the suspect joined his accomplice at the Detention Center.

Meanwhile, a separate deputy tracked the second stolen car to Antioch Road near Russell Road. This vehicle also attempted to escape, weaving across medians before finally becoming disabled near Randolph Road.

When deputies approached, they discovered the driver was a 13-year-old boy. In a candid admission, the teenager remarked that if people didn’t want their cars stolen, they shouldn’t leave them unlocked with the keys inside.

Authorities have charged 21-year-old Kayden Nolen and 21-year-old Kevante White—occupants of the first vehicle—with resisting arrest and tampering with a motor vehicle. The young driver from the second car was handed over to the Clay County Juvenile Office, where he remains in custody.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Hit-and-Run

***UPDATE 2 - 04/15, 10:50 AM***

The victim in this case is 37-year-old Steven C. Notari of Wisconsin. 

***UPDATE 5:43 PM***

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has a person of interest in custody. Investigation is ongoing. 

INITIAL STORY:

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian. At 7:10 am, Monday, April 13, a semitruck driver traveling on Interstate 35 reported seeing a person lying on Edgar Petty Road, just north of NE 116th Street. Deputies responded within four minutes and discovered a deceased man on the roadway, believed to have been struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene.

Edgar Petty Road was closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence, with assistance from the Platte County Sheriff’s Office in surveying the crash site. Detectives are working to confirm the victim’s identity and will notify his next of kin before releasing his name to the public.

Authorities suspect the vehicle involved is a 2013-2018 Ford Focus, which likely sustained fresh damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Investigations Unit at 816-407-3728 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

Officials continue to encourage the public to come forward with any details that could aid the investigation.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Wheels of Engagement Trailer Strengthens Community Connections

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is set to launch its new Wheels of Engagement trailer, aiming to foster stronger connections throughout the community.

The trailer, once used by the Emergency Management Division for supplies, has been transformed and wrapped with a fresh design by Kansas City North Signarama. Now stocked with yard games, sports equipment, and interactive activities, including games played directly on its exterior, the trailer promises to bring entertainment and opportunities for positive interactions wherever it goes.

Community Services Coordinator Hillary Hidy, who led the project, explained that the trailer enables deputies to meet residents in a fun, approachable setting and encourages non-enforcement interactions that break down barriers and build trust.

This initiative is part of a broader goal by the Community Engagement Unit to reach smaller and more rural communities such as Holt, Missouri City, Mosby, and Avondale, following their free holiday meal distribution in December in partnership with Hy-Vee.

Public Relations Manager Sarah Boyd noted that while the office hosts numerous events in larger population centers, the Wheels of Engagement trailer will help bring festivities directly to residents who may not have access to those gatherings. The trailer will appear at community events, schools, neighborhoods, outreach efforts, and pop-up style events throughout Clay County, with schedules posted on the Sheriff’s Office website.

Coordinator Hidy expressed hope that the initiative will create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable engaging with deputies, ultimately fostering trust, improving communication, and building lasting relationships across the county.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Annual Report Highlights Growth and Improvements

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2025 annual report, revealing notable increases in several key areas, including inmate population, court cases, and concealed carry weapon permit renewals.

According to the report, the average daily inmate population rose from 289 in 2024 to 345 in 2025, marking a 19% jump and a 38% increase compared to 2023. Despite the larger inmate numbers, the facility saw improvements in safety: inmate vs. inmate assaults dropped by 9%, and inmate vs. staff assaults fell dramatically by 73%.

Deputies served as bailiffs in 71,156 court cases in 2025, an 11% rise from the previous year. Concealed carry weapons permit renewals surged by 57%, reaching 318.

The annual report also contains new details on employee benefits, drone usage, fleet management, and the Honor Guard—topics not previously featured. These statistics are just a sample of the information provided, as the report offers a comprehensive and transparent overview of the Sheriff’s Office operations.

Readers can find insights on budget allocation, crime reports, staffing, and lesser-known units such as Transportation and Professional Standards HERE, giving the public an in-depth look at the agency’s work throughout Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff's Office Hosts Golf Tournament Benefiting HALO Team

The annual Clay County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament is set for 8 a.m. on June 1 at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Missouri. This 4-person scramble event will raise funds for the CCSO HALO (Helping All Live Optimally) Team, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides critical support to Sheriff's Office members facing financial hardships.

The HALO Team, overseen by a volunteer board of Sheriff's Office employees, has assisted with a range of needs, including utility bills, rent, medical expenses, groceries, and car repairs.

Organizers are seeking teams, sponsors, donations, and items for both the auction and raffle, as well as swag contributions. Registration is $100 per person or $400 per team, which includes lunch, drinks on the course, and a raffle ticket. Participants will have the chance to compete for cash prizes for first place in each flight and enjoy a variety of fun contests throughout the day.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament alternates years with the Clay County Sheriff's Office Canine Fund Golf Tournament, which is scheduled to return in 2027. Sponsorships ranging from $100 to $500 are available for local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the cause.

Register or sponsor at https://givebutter.com/2026-ccso-charitable-golf-tournament

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.