The City of Kearney has been recognized as a 2026 Missouri Blue Shield Community by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
This designation recognizes communities that demonstrate a strong commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement, and partnerships between officers and the community they serve.
The City and 102.7FM thanks the Kearney Police Department and everyone who works each day to help keep our community safe.
Over the weekend, a traffic stop conducted by a day-shift officer on 92 Highway near McDonald's led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Camden, MO man.
Photo by Kearney Police Department.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver had a suspended license and active warrants for his arrest. K-9 Havoc was called to the scene and alerted officers to the presence of contraband in the vehicle.
A search revealed approximately 13 grams of packaged methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun. The driver, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Officers safely took the suspect into custody, and Kearney Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit filed in-custody charges for felony possession of a controlled substance and felony unlawful possession of a firearm.
Bond was set at $50,000, and the suspect was booked into the Clay County Detention Center on the new felony charges.
KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.
Another late-night patrol by the Kearney Police Department turned into a high-stakes chase on Thursday, December 10. Shortly after 10:00 p.m., an officer patrolling the south end of Kearney spotted a vehicle that matched the description of a recently reported stolen car. The individuals inside the car were also suspected of prowling through other vehicles in the neighborhood.
When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped away, initiating a pursuit that wove through the city. The chase continued near 19th Street and Highway 33, where police successfully deployed stop sticks. Although the suspect ran over the devices, which slowed the vehicle, the driver continued heading south on Highway 33 into the county, approaching the Riverbend Estates neighborhood.
At that point, the suspect abandoned the still-moving car and fled on foot. Officers pursued and quickly located the individual hiding behind a building. The suspect, identified as a juvenile male from Kansas City, Missouri, was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Clay County Juvenile Detention Center. The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
The suspect is now facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated fleeing a detention/stop under Valentine’s Law, resisting arrest, tampering (stealing) with a motor vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless or careless driving.
KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.
As winter weather approaches in Kearney, MO, drivers are urged to take proactive steps to ensure their safety on the road. Cold temperatures, icy roads, and sudden snowstorms can quickly turn a routine trip into a dangerous situation. That’s why local safety officials recommend assembling a comprehensive emergency kit for your vehicle before winter weather hits.
“It's always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in the back of your car, but during the winter months, it's even more important to be prepared,” explains Corporal Phil Lamanna from the Kearney Police Department. “A properly supplied safety kit can help you deal with most situations in your car breaks down or you get stuck.”
A properly supplied safety kit can make all the difference if you find yourself stranded or facing unexpected delays. Key items to include are necessary medications, blankets, sleeping bags, extra mittens or gloves, warm socks, caps, and a small shovel for digging out snow.
Booster cables and a basic toolkit with pliers and screwdrivers are invaluable in case of minor breakdowns. Don’t forget a brightly colored cloth to signal for help, non-perishable foods such as bottled water, and a cell phone charger to maintain communication.
It's easy to overlook preparedness until you’re already stuck, but taking a few minutes now to stock your vehicle can help you solve problems and reach out for assistance when needed. While you can’t prepare for every scenario, having these essentials on hand increases your chances of staying safe until help arrives. For more tips and updates on winter weather preparedness, visit the City of Kearney’s official website at KearneyMO.us.
KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.
An 18-year-old student from Kearney is now behind bars and facing felony charges after bringing a loaded handgun onto the grounds of Kearney Junior High School.
The situation unfolded quickly when students spotted a male with a firearm in the school parking lot and immediately notified staff members. Acting swiftly, the staff alerted the Kearney Police School Resource Officer, setting off a rapid response from local law enforcement.
Within just two minutes, both Kearney Police Officers and Clay County Sheriff Deputies arrived at the scene near the Junior High School. Officers detained two individuals believed to be involved in the incident.
The investigation moved forward with Kearney Police Detectives submitting felony charges, and the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office filing charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon against the 18-year-old suspect. He is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center, with bond set at $5,000.
The second suspect, a juvenile, has not been named. Authorities say the case will be handed over to the Clay County Juvenile Authorities for further review and possible charges.
Officials are crediting students and staff for their quick thinking and decisive action, which helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation at the school. Community leaders emphasize that safety starts with awareness and teamwork, praising everyone who played a role in keeping the school safe today.
KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.
KPGZ 102.7FM is Kearney, Missouri's community radio station.
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