Vigilant Citizen, Traffic Stop Lead to Arrest of Fugitive

A routine act of community vigilance and a simple traffic stop led to the arrest of a fugitive who had evaded justice for more than 18 years.

On Sunday, April 27, a concerned Greenfield neighborhood resident noticed a suspicious vehicle that didn’t appear to belong in the area. The citizen promptly contacted authorities, and officers from the Kearney Police Department responded to investigate.

After locating the vehicle, a Kearney patrol officer observed the driver commit a traffic violation. During the stop, the driver was unable to provide a driver's license, any form of identification, or even a Social Security number.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, the Clay County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene with a mobile fingerprint scanner. Once the suspect’s fingerprints were analyzed, officers discovered the man’s true identity — a 38-year-old from Kansas City, Kansas, wanted in connection with two violent felony offenses in Johnson County, Kansas.

The man had been on the run from both state and federal authorities for over 18 years. He was taken into custody by Kearney Police and transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.

Further investigation revealed the man had also been living in the United States illegally for several years. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified, and federal authorities are expected to pursue additional charges after the resolution of his felony cases.

Kearney Police praised the alert citizen for their quick action, which ultimately led to the capture of a long-sought fugitive. The Police Department also reminds residents that if you see something suspicious to say something.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Driver with Multiple Warrants Arrested After High-Speed Chase

A 33-year-old man from Gladstone, Missouri, is in custody after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through multiple cities Friday afternoon.

The incident began shortly after 3:30 p.m. when a Kearney police officer observed a vehicle speeding and driving recklessly on Watson Drive near the Price Chopper. As the officer attempted a traffic stop, he noticed the vehicle was displaying an expired temporary paper tag from 2024. The driver refused to pull over and fled southbound on Watson Drive.

The pursuit continued past the city’s water tower and onto 19th Street, where the suspect entered southbound Interstate 35. Officers from additional agencies joined the chase as the driver continued to evade law enforcement.

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies deployed stop sticks near the 69 Highway exit. The suspect drove over the devices, resulting in all four tires rapidly deflating. Despite this, the vehicle continued onto Highway 291 and into Liberty, eventually coming to a stop near N. Church Road and the Liberty Price Chopper.

The suspect exited the disabled vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After a brief pursuit, officers deployed a Taser and successfully apprehended the man without further incident.

Authorities later discovered the suspect had a revoked driver’s license and six active warrants for his arrest, including one for resisting or evading arrest. No injuries or property damage were reported during the incident.

The man was transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he was booked on felony charges of aggravated fleeing in a motor vehicle under Missouri’s “Valentine’s Law.” He was formally charged by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and bond was set at $75,000.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Police Foil Juvenile Burglary Plot, Three Arrested

A planned series of commercial burglaries in Kearney was thwarted this past weekend thanks to the swift actions of Kearney Police.

On Saturday, March 8, officers from the Criminal Investigations Unit and Patrol Division received a tip about a group of juveniles planning a string of burglaries in the area. As part of proactive patrol efforts, midnight officers were on the lookout when they spotted two individuals walking along Highway 33 at around 2 am. The suspects, dressed in all black with ski masks and carrying large bags, immediately fled on foot upon seeing the officers.

Following a brief search of the area, both juveniles were located and detained. In addition to their ski masks, officers found the suspects wearing socks over their shoes to conceal their footprints, as well as black gloves. One of the juveniles further revealed they had stolen their parent’s vehicle and parked it nearby as a "getaway" car.

Upon investigation, the vehicle was found occupied by a third juvenile, who had been waiting for the other two. Police contacted the parents of the minors involved, and the Clay County Juvenile Office was alerted. The case has now been forwarded to their office for further investigation.

No injuries were reported, and police continue to investigate the motives behind the planned burglaries.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Greenhouse Manager Charged with Stealing

The former manager of a Kearney greenhouse is facing charges related to a multi-year embezzlement scheme that allegedly amounted to $150,000.

Court records from the Clay County, Missouri Circuit Court, filed on February 26, reveal that 55-year-old Matthew J. Nelson, of Olathe, Kansas, has been charged with theft in connection to the scheme while managing the nursery in Kearney.

According to a probable cause statement from the Kearney Police Department, authorities were called to Marshall Trees and Nursery, located at 1100 N. Jefferson St., around 11 am on November 20, after reports of a theft. Upon arriving, the business owner claimed that Nelson had stolen over $150,000 between September 9, 2018, and September 13, 2024. Nelson allegedly wrote unauthorized checks to himself from the nursery's account and deposited them into his personal accounts.

Investigators discovered that Nelson manipulated the business’s bookkeeping system to make it appear as if the checks were paid to vendors. A subpoena revealed that a total of 71 checks had been cashed since 2018.

Nelson was arrested on January 7. During questioning, he confessed to the theft, explaining that he felt unappreciated by his employers and expressed guilt over his actions. He admitted to the crime in full.

Nelson now faces charges of stealing over $25,000. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and face a $10,000 fine. A criminal summons was issued on Friday, and an initial court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on April 3. No additional details have been released at this time.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Police Arrest Impaired Driver After Pursuit

A 28-year-old male from unincorporated Clay County was arrested on Monday, February 24, following a physical altercation and a brief vehicle pursuit that resulted in property damage and a DWI arrest.

Earlier in the day, Kearney Police were alerted by Clay County Dispatch about a disturbance between two individuals, which escalated to a vehicle chase heading eastbound on Highway 92 toward the City of Kearney. Officers spotted the vehicles entering the city at 92 Hwy and Nation Road. While one of the vehicles pulled over to speak with officers, the other, a UTV, fled the scene.

The UTV, occupied by a single male driver, veered off the highway and began driving through yards on the south side of the roundabout, causing significant damage to property. After driving through several yards, the UTV returned to Nation Road, continuing south while attempting to evade officers.

A short vehicle pursuit followed until the UTV broke down near NE 140th Terrace. Officers were able to safely apprehend the driver. Clay County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to assist with the investigation of the earlier assault, which had occurred in the county.

During the investigation, a Clay County Traffic Unit Deputy conducted a DWI investigation, leading to the driver’s arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. In addition to DWI, the man faces charges for fleeing from arrest, careless driving, and property damage.

The driver was arrested and transported to the Clay County Detention Center.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.