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.

Public Safety Half Cent Sales Tax Decision Moves to Voters

The City of Kearney Board of Alderman approved an ordinance to place Proposition A: “A Public Safety Tax,” on the April ballot for voters to decide. The proposition imposes a citywide sales tax of 1/2 of 1% for the purpose of improving public safety in Kearney.

“The thing that I think is important, is that it will not apply to utilities, gasoline, or prescription drug purchases,” said Thomas.

The Board of Alderman heard a presentation by Chief Mark Thomas at the January 6 city meeting. Chief Thomas’ presentation outlined why the police department was seeking a sales tax initiative, who would be taxed and what would be taxed.

Chief Thomas said additional funds would go to expanding the School Resource Officer program, enhancing officer safety and preparedness, upgrading department technology and facilities, and increasing support, education, and outreach for the community. If approved, funds would expand the number of school resource officers, fund a community outreach officer, provide for police training, upgrade equipment and technology, as well as ADA improvements and safety equipment for first responders.

If approved retailers will begin collecting the sales tax on October 1st, 2025, and the sales tax will have a sunset date in 25 years.

Chief Thomas noted two important parts of this initiative. Anyone who shops in Kearney, whether they are a resident or non-resident including interstate travelers, will pay the sales tax. Thomas also noted that the sales tax will not apply to certain items.

“The thing that I think is important, is that it will not apply to utilities, gasoline, or prescription drug purchases,” said Thomas. “That’s really important for our local residents I think.”

David Lehman also added that it was important to point out that this is not a property tax on residents and that non-residents would also be paying the sales tax: “The burden is not just on our residents. When you’ve got Starbucks right off the highway [and] you’ve got people coming off the highway who are going to pay this tax too.”

By law sales tax revenues must be spent to improve public safety within Kearney. It cannot be used for any other purpose. Residents of Kearney will have a chance to vote on this sales tax on the April 8, 2025, election ballot.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Stolen Vehicle Suspect Arrested Near Worlds of Fun

A Guatemalan man attempted to flee Kearney Police in a stolen vehicle on Black Friday, but the only special deal he received was a K-9 bite and a free ride to jail.

Kearney police officers identified a stolen vehicle on Friday, November 29. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver fled south on I-35. Officers requested the assistance of outside agencies to help capture the suspect.

Cristian Guevara-Urbina - police photo.

The vehicle crashed on I-435, just south of 69 Highway in Claycomo. The occupant, Cristian Guevara-Urbina, fled from the vehicle and tried to hide in a wooded area on Randolph Rd.

Urbina was found and taken into custody after being bitten by a Kansas City, MO K-9 officer.

Urbina was charged with two felonies – tampering with a motor vehicle and also “Valentines Law,” a new Missouri law that is described as “aggravated fleeing a stop.” Because of the high-speed and dangerous manner in which he operated the vehicle, this is a Class D felony.

Urbina is being held in the Clay County Detention Facility on a $40,000 bond. Kearney Police are working with the Department of Homeland Security to determine his citizenship status and possible other charges.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Schools Receive Unfounded Threats

The Kearney School District was among many in the metro area that received threats or anonymous tips of threats this week. An investigation by Kearney Police and school officials determined any threat made to schools this week to be unfounded.

The Kearney School District received an anonymous tip on Wednesday, September 11, through the state’s Courage2Report system. The threat concerned a possible threat involving one of the schools.

School Resource Officer Adam Kirkland, law enforcement and administrators conducted a thorough investigation after the tip was reported. They determined the threat to be unfounded. Classes at Kearney schools were held as usual, but with a heightened police presence.

In an unrelated incident, a man who had multiple warrants was stopped and arrested by the Clay County Sheriff's Office at Dogwood Elementary School on Thursday, September 12.

A deputy ran the man's plates and was alerted he had outstanding warrants. The deputy stopped the man, and he pulled into the parking lot of Dogwood Elementary. The man said he had a student at the school but quickly admitted he lied.

The man had warrants for non-violent offenses.

The Kearney School District encourages parents and guardians to speak with their students about the seriousness of school safety. If parents or students become aware of information about a concern or threat, the best course of action is to report that directly to the school or the district. Anonymous tips can be shared using the Scholastic Crime Stoppers program by calling (816) 474-TIPS or visiting KCCrimeStoppers.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.