First Top 10 Most Wanted Suspect Arrested in Kearney

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of Kristen Hailee Wood, who had been featured on Clay County’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. Wood is with delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 28, Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the Kearney Police Department, took her into custody without incident in Kearney, Missouri. Sheriff’s Office Officials said the arrest came just one day after the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office publicized its Top 10 Most Wanted list.

The Sheriff’s Office said an anonymous tip helped investigators locate Wood outside a Kearney hotel, underscoring the role of community information in locating wanted suspects. The case also reflects cooperation among the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Kearney Police Department, Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.

The anonymous tipster in the case is expected to receive a $3,000 reward from the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers. Authorities thanked community members who shared information and said public cooperation remains a critical part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest said the coordinated effort helped safely take a wanted suspect into custody and reinforced the value of regional partnerships in keeping local communities safe.

Wood is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Man Arrested for Felony Domestic Assault

A Kearney man is facing felony domestic assault charges following an incident that occurred Wednesday, April 30, in the Marimack Farms neighborhood.

According to the Kearney Police Department, officers responded to the area after a domestic violence victim managed to escape the residence and call 911. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, who had visible injuries to her head and face resulting from the assault. She was evaluated and treated on the scene by emergency medical personnel.

An investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit revealed that the suspect — identified as the victim’s father — had at least two prior convictions for domestic violence. Under Missouri law, this incident qualifies as a felony offense.

Officers and detectives located the suspect at his residence, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Jason Connell, 48, of Kearney, Missouri, was arrested and charged with felony domestic assault in the third degree. Charges were filed by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and Connell is being held on a $20,000 bond.

The Kearney Police Department continues to investigate the case.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Shop With a Cop Gives Christmas to 20 Children

Law enforcement officers brought Christmas to over 20 underprivileged kids on Saturday, December 14. The Shop with a Cop program brought smiles to children from Kearney and Holt.

“We have so many great local businesses and generous citizens that donated to this great cause to make it a success each year,” reads a post on the police department’s Facebook page. “The Kearney Police Department is very fortunate to have much an amazing community to serve! Thank you all!”

Police officers from Kearney and Lathrop, as well as the Missouri State Highway Patrol and members of Behind the Badge – Kearney, MO, were able to take the excited kids Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart in Liberty for presents for their families and themselves.

In addition to shopping for presents, Price Chopper in Kearney donated a holiday meal to each family, and Hess Barbershop, Total E-Clips and Henry Rose Salon donated a free haircut to each child.

“The children and their families were absolutely thrilled with all of the items they were able to get for Christmas this year, all thanks to the generous donations of our Kearney community.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Police Fundraise for Shop With a Cop

The Kearney Police Department is accepting donations to their annual Shop With a Cop program. Officers will be out collecting money to help buy presents for children at several locations this year.

The Police Department loves this program and so far, they have been able to give to over 400 kids through Shop With a Cop.

“The Kearney Police Department has a rich tradition of this yearly fundraising effort that allows us to bring deserving children shopping before Christmas,” reads their post on social media. “It is an effort that the department has been committed to for a number of years and we enjoy every bit of it!” 

Officers will be collecting money at the following locations in November:

November 9, all day at Bulldog Nutrition and Kearney Nutrition

November 12, 5 – 8 pm at La Fuente

November 16, 8 am – noon at Price Chopper

November 27, 8 am – noon at Price Chopper

People can also donate at Venmo@KearneyMO-ShopwithaCop or by dropping off a check at Kearney Trust Bank (main bank or at Price Chopper).  Donors can also stop by the Police Department to make a direct donation to Shop With a Cop.

Kearney Officers will be shopping with close to 50 children from the Kearney School District on Saturday, December 14, at Wal-mart on Church Road in Liberty.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Police Department Announces Promotions of Seven Officers

The Kearney Police Department is excited to announce the promotion of seven experienced professionals following a rigorous promotion process that concluded in July. These promotions reflect the officers’ exceptional service, leadership and commitment to Kearney. The newly promoted officers are:

- Corporal Charles Leach - promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

- Detective Blake Westerfield - promoted to the rank of Detective Corporal. 

- Officer Jeff Parton - promoted to the rank of Corporal. 

- Officer Phillip Lamanna - promoted to the rank of Corporal. 

- Officer Mark Taylor - promoted to the rank of Corporal. 

- Officer David Parker - promoted to the rank of Corporal.

- Officer Austin Dotson - promoted to the rank of Corporal. 

seven experienced professionals completed a rigorous promotion process that concluded in July.

Police Chief Mark Thomas, expressed pride in the newly promoted officers, stating, “These promotions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers. Each of them has demonstrated their dedication to the principles of integrity, compassion, service and teamwork. I am confident they will excel in their new roles and continue to serve Kearney with professionalism and distinction.”

The promotion process involved a series of evaluations, including written exams, interviews and the submission of a resume highlighting their experience, training, education, and community involvement. The promoted officers stood out for their exemplary performance and readiness to take on greater responsibilities.

In addition to the promotions, two police officers have been assigned to new positions. Officer Caleb Nelson has been assigned as a detective in the Investigations Unit and Officer Cameron Philip will be the new School Resource Officer at the Kearney School District.

The Kearney Police Department remains committed to fostering a culture of growth and excellence to ensure that our officers are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of Kearney. 

These officers will be recognized at Kearney City Hall for their achievement at the August 19, 2024, Board of Aldermen Meeting.