Quick Response Saves Three After Vehicle Crashes Near Kearney Pond

On Sunday, July 27th, a coordinated effort by Kearney Police and the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District resulted in the dramatic rescue of three people after a vehicle veered off 92 Highway and ended up precariously positioned over a pond.

According to authorities, officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle that had left the roadway. Upon arrival, they found that the vehicle had struck a tree and was hanging over the water’s edge, with its occupants still inside.

Emergency personnel from both the police department and fire district acted swiftly. Together, they successfully removed two juveniles from the vehicle.

The adult female driver, who had experienced a medical episode while behind the wheel, required extrication by Kearney Fire & Rescue personnel. She was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, but officials confirm her injuries are not life-threatening.

Officials credited the outcome to the quick and coordinated actions of first responders, whose teamwork brought all three individuals to safety.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Explosives Discovered After Police Stop Erratic Driver

Just before midnight on Sunday, July 27, Kearney Police Officers responded to reports of a reckless driver on Highway 92. Concerned witnesses described the vehicle's alarming behavior, stating it was swerving erratically and nearly causing several head-on collisions, prompting urgent calls to law enforcement.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect vehicle and observed firsthand the dangerous driving and initiated the traffic stop. During the investigation, officers found probable cause to search the vehicle, leading to a startling discovery: a bag filled with what appeared to be multiple homemade explosive devices. The devices varied in size, measuring between 3 and 10 inches, and each was equipped with a distinctive green fuse extending from its center.

Officers noticed a thin wire or string emerging from the bottom corner of the rear passenger door and trailing underneath the truck, raising the possibility of a trip wire mechanism.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Kearney Police quickly coordinated with a range of partner agencies, including their own detectives, the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District, the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These agencies responded on scene to assist in evaluating and safely neutralizing the suspicious devices.

Kearney Police expressed gratitude to local residents and motorists for their cooperation, “Thank you all for cooperating with our efforts last night to keep the area safe and for following up on our officer's advice to leave the area for a safe location for a short time.”

The suspect, a male individual whose identity has not been released, remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Criminal charges are pending with the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

At this time, officials stress that there is no ongoing danger to the public. The vehicle and the scene have been rendered safe.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Woman Arrested After Pursuit Ends Safely

A Kearney woman is in custody following an early-morning incident on Sunday, July 20, that began with a suspicious traffic stop and ended with a safe resolution thanks to quick action by local police.

Around 3:15 am, a Kearney patrol officer observed a vehicle stopped for an unusually long period—more than 30 seconds—at a stop sign. When the vehicle finally moved, it entered the wrong lane of traffic, prompting the officer to attempt a traffic stop.

The driver did not pull over and continued to drive, prompting additional officers to respond. Law enforcement utilized a pursuit prevention strategy to bring the vehicle to a controlled and safe stop.

The 39-year-old female driver from Kearney, initially refused to exit the vehicle but was ultimately removed and taken into custody without further incident. She later admitted to officers that she had consumed alcohol and used methamphetamine prior to driving.

She now faces several charges, including driving while intoxicated, providing false information to law enforcement, and reckless driving, among others.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Arrest, Seizure of Drugs and Weapons

A routine traffic stop early Saturday morning led to the arrest of a Raymore man and the discovery of drugs, a firearm, and high-capacity magazines, according to the Kearney Police Department.

Just before 6 am on June 29, Kearney night shift officers initiated a traffic stop near 19th Street and Watson Drive. The vehicle was being driven by a 22-year-old male from Raymore, Missouri.

Upon investigation, officers learned that the driver’s license was suspended or canceled. A further check revealed multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest, totaling over $10,000.

After taking the suspect into custody, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a substance that later tested positive as cocaine. In addition to the suspected narcotics, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were also discovered inside the vehicle.

The firearm was accompanied by five magazines, including an extended magazine and a 50-round high-capacity drum-style magazine. According to Missouri law, possessing a firearm in conjunction with illegal drugs is classified as a felony offense.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and transported to the appropriate detention facility. Kearney Police say felony charges for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Possession of a Controlled Substance will be submitted to the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for formal consideration.

No further details, including the suspect’s name, have been released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Public Safety Meet-and-Greet with Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Kearney residents will have a unique opportunity to engage directly with local law enforcement and legal officials during a community meet-and-greet event on Friday, June 13. Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson will join members of the Kearney Police Department for a relaxed afternoon gathering aimed at fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration between the public and those who serve to protect it.

The event will take place from 3 to 5 pm at Giambalvo’s Woodfired Pizza, located at 751 S. Watson Drive in Kearney. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about how law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office work together to ensure community safety.

“We are all best protected when law enforcement agencies, the prosecutor’s office, and the public work together for community safety,” said Thompson. “It is a privilege to meet with the hardworking men and women of every Clay County law enforcement agency and discuss the issues facing communities with our residents. We are excited to be in Kearney next week and look forward to visiting every town in Clay County throughout the summer.”

The event is part of a broader initiative by Thompson’s office to strengthen connections with communities across Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.