Kearney Police Arrest Two Involved with Stolen Vehicle

On Sunday, September 14, Kearney Police officers conducted a traffic stop on 92 Highway near QuikTrip after noticing a vehicle displaying a license plate reported stolen from Leawood, Kansas. All occupants of the vehicle were detained during the investigation.

The female passenger repeatedly provided police with false names and Social Security numbers. Deputies from the Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to assist and used a fingerprint scanner to confirm her identity. The passenger, identified as a 29-year-old woman from Kansas City, was wanted in Nebraska for felony possession of dangerous drugs and in Colorado for possession of a stolen vehicle, both with no bond allowed.

After being identified, she admitted to possessing drugs. Officers recovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and several syringes loaded with a mixture of both substances. She was arrested and transported to jail on her outstanding warrants and now faces additional felony charges for possession of a controlled substance in Clay County.

The driver of the vehicle was also taken into custody for possession of stolen property. Both individuals were booked into jail following the incident.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Traffic Stop in Kearney Leads to Drug Arrest

Just before midnight on Wednesday, August 20, a routine traffic stop conducted by a Kearney Police night-shift officer resulted in the arrest of a Kansas City woman on multiple drug and traffic charges.

The incident began when officers noticed a vehicle displaying license plates registered to another car, prompting them to pull the vehicle over. Upon approaching the driver, a 26-year-old woman from Kansas City, Missouri, police quickly discovered a series of violations. She was unable to produce a driver’s license, possessed no valid registration for the vehicle, and displayed a fake registration sticker. Further investigation revealed that the car was also uninsured.

Given the circumstances, officers proceeded with a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, they uncovered baggies and several loaded needles containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine. In addition to the suspected methamphetamine, officers found multiple containers of illegal Psilocybin Mushrooms, as well as assorted drug paraphernalia inside the car.

The driver was promptly taken into custody and now faces charges including possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and a series of related traffic offenses. The police department emphasized that their officers remain committed to proactive enforcement, working diligently to keep illegal drugs and unsafe drivers out of the community.

No further information regarding the identity of the suspect has been released at this time. The case stands as a reminder of the continued risks posed by drug-related activity and the importance of community-focused policing.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Wanted Fugitive Arrested After Brief I-35 Standoff

Kearney police arrested a wanted fugitive on Monday, August 11, after a brief standoff that temporarily shut down northbound Interstate 35.

Officers were alerted by another agency that a 47-year-old Mooresville man, wanted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, might be traveling through the area. The suspect was wanted on felony charges of first-degree rape and first-degree statutory rape of a juvenile under 14, who is a family member.

Police located the suspect driving a semi-truck northbound on I-35 near 92 Highway and initiated a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver refused to exit the vehicle and barricaded himself for several minutes before surrendering peacefully following negotiations.

Chief Mark Thomas posted on Facebook about the danger of these types of situations, “The suspect was reported to be suicidal as well, which escalated our safety concerns not only for the suspect, but also for our officers.”

The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to jail on his outstanding warrants. He is being held without bond.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

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.