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.

Kearney Police Nab Alleged Wanted Felon

Kearney police officers were able to arrest a man wanted by the United States Marshals Service on Sunday, February 2. After a brief pursuit, the man was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers attempted to stop a driver for a traffic violation at about 6 am on Sunday on 92 Hwy. near QuikTrip, but instead of stopping, the male suspect tried to flee in his vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle to the Holiday Inn on Watson Drive.

“The speeds were under 40 mph as the vehicle fled, headed towards the Holiday Inn Hotel on Watson Drive.,” reads a Kearney Police Facebook post. “Officers pursued the vehicle a few blocks where it pulled into a parking spot at the hotel.”

When officers identified the driver, a 47-year-old male from Independence, MO, they found he was wanted for weapons offenses by the U.S. Marshals Service and had warrants by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. As officers searched the vehicle, they found multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs. Officers also found a loaded firearm which officers say is illegal for the suspect to possess.

The suspect was taken into custody and additional felony charges for the illegal narcotics and firearm were filed through the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office. He is currently being held in the Clay County Detention Center.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Man Faces Charges after Pellet Gun Shooting

Kearney police officers responded to a shots fired call in the James Pointe neighborhood last weekend. One man was arrested and criminal charges were filed.

The victim told police that when he arrived home, the suspect exited his residence and began shooting at him, shattering the window of his vehicle. The suspect then retreated inside his own residence.

Kearney police officers requested assistance from Excelsior Springs Police and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office due to the nature of the call. Officers later determined that the weapon used by the suspect was a rifle-style pellet gun.

Police made several announcements over their vehicle PA system to get the suspect to come out of his house. When he did finally exit the home, officers safely took him into custody. Criminal charges were filed in this case.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.