Clay County Most Wanted Suspect Apprehended

Eric E. Frazer

Deputies arrested their Most Wanted suspect Friday evening, which led to an assault on a Sheriff’s Office canine and multiple deputies requiring medical attention.

Deputies had been trying to take 54-year-old Eric E. Frazer into custody since December 2025, when he failed to appear in court for drug trafficking charges. He also failed to appear for a Valentine’s Law charge for fleeing a lawful stop. In just the last month, he fled from deputies two additional times. The Sheriff’s Office placed him on its Most Wanted list on April 22.

Investigation revealed Frazer was at a relative’s home in the 16800 block of Ragsdale Road at about 6 p.m. May 1. The relatives exited the home and allowed deputies to go inside to apprehend Frazer. Deputies deployed a drone for an initial search of the house, and after seeing nothing, went inside with K9 Argos. Argos directed them to a bathroom that had an opening to the attic. The drone showed Frazer hiding in the attic, but he refused to come out. Deputies did not know whether he was armed. After several warnings to Frazer, K9 Argos went into the attic to assist with the apprehension.

Frazer fought Argos, lying on top of him and forcing his head into the sheetrock, then pulling hard on the leash around his neck, causing the leash line to break. Fearing for everyone’s safety, deputies in the living room below cut a hole in the ceiling to get Argos and Frazer out. Argos fell through, with one deputy able to catch him just enough to break his fall. Deputies then pulled Frazer down. After being treated for his bite wounds at the hospital, Frazer is now in custody at the Clay County Detention Center with no bond. In addition to his original warrants, Frazer is now charged with:

• Felony aggravated fleeing a stop

• Felony resisting arrest

• Misdemeanor assault on a law enforcement animal

• Four misdemeanor charges of assault on law enforcement

Additional charges may be filed as investigation continues.

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office states this is the first time they have filed a charge under Max’s Law, which became effective in Missouri in August 2024. The law makes it a crime to injure or kill a police animal.

K9 Argos’ handler immediately took him to Long Veterinary Hospital to be evaluated for injuries and treated for inhaling insulation. Four deputies also had to be evaluated and treated at the hospital for various minor injuries sustained during the apprehension.  

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.