High Tech Equipment Aids Deputies with DWI Arrest

Late Wednesday just after midnight, a dramatic chase unfolded near N.E. Parvin Road and N. Belmont Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, when Clay County Deputies combined teamwork and technology to apprehend a suspected drunk driver.

Deputies then deployed a drone equipped with heat-sensing technology, giving officers a real-time thermal image of the area.

It all began when a Traffic Safety Unit deputy attempted to pull over a vehicle traveling without headlights—a telltale sign of impaired driving. Instead of stopping, the driver sped away, nearly colliding with another car headed northbound. Moments later, the suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the back of a parked semi truck's trailer.

Not content to surrender, the driver abandoned his car and fled on foot into Worlds of Fun. Security staff at Worlds of Fun quickly sprang into action, reviewing surveillance footage to track the suspect’s movements inside the park. Their efforts provided law enforcement with a rough estimate of the suspect's location.

Deputies then deployed a drone equipped with heat-sensing technology, giving officers a real-time thermal image of the area. The drone’s advanced imaging capabilities allowed law enforcement to pinpoint the suspect’s whereabouts within the sprawling grounds of Worlds of Fun. Officers from multiple agencies, including the Claycomo Police Department, Pleasant Valley Missouri Police Department, Gladstone MO Police, and Kansas City Missouri Police Department responded swiftly, coordinating to surround the park and ensure the suspect had nowhere to escape.

After a thorough search, officers apprehended the suspect without further incident. Subsequent testing revealed that the driver’s blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit. Police identified the suspect as Reginald L. Finch, 22, who now faces several charges, including aggravated fleeing a stop, driving while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of an accident.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Overnight lane closures on I-35 near North Kearney

The Missouri Department of Transportation will perform lane closures on southbound Interstate 35 near North Kearney for pavement repair, overnight, form approximately 7:00 PM until 6:00 AM each night, beginning Monday, Nov. 10 until Wednesday, Nov. 12. Motorists may experience delays. All work is weather permitting.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form the roadway.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at //www.modot.org/kansascity.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Boys Swim & Dive Team Dominates Conference Meet

The Kearney Boys Swim & Dive team ended their regular season in spectacular fashion, transforming the conference meet held from October 30 to November 1 into a demonstration of dominance and depth. The Bulldogs captured 11 out of 12 event titles, set personal records across the roster, and secured the team championship by a remarkable 140-point margin, marking their 11th consecutive conference victory.

The tone was set early, as the 200 Medley Relay squad—Braeden Mallonee, Bennett Freeman, Whitaker Steward, and Milo Sumpter—dropped two seconds off their previous best to claim first place, highlighted by a personal-best split from Bennett. The momentum continued in the 200 Free, where Brayden Peck surged to victory with a 6.5-second personal improvement, followed by Landon Morrill in second and significant time drops from Patrick McNellis and Konnor Spring, who placed sixth and seventh.

Whitaker Steward led the charge in the 200 IM, breaking the Gladstone pool record, and later won the 500 Free with a season-best time, setting another pool record. The Bulldogs’ sprints were just as dynamic, with Milo Sumpter taking second in the 50 Free, Isaac Jensen third, and Isaac Clayton fourth—all posting personal records. Bennett Freeman added a season best for seventh. Isaac Jensen then won the 100 Free, earning a state consideration cut, while Milo and Brayden placed second and fifth.

Kearney’s relay teams were unstoppable. The 200 Free Relay—Clayton, Bennett, Landon, and Jensen—cut four seconds to win, and the 400 Free Relay featuring Steward, Jensen, Sumpter, and Mallonee closed the meet as champions, with Whitaker contributing a personal-best split. In the stroke events, Mallonee won the 100 Back, joined by McNellis and Spring with strong finishes and personal records. Bennett Freeman took the 100 Breast title, with Peter Jensen and Eli both setting six-second personal bests for third and fourth.

On the diving board, Isaac Clayton earned the crown, with Nathan Watson and Eli Clayton rounding out the top five. Mallonee also claimed the 100 Fly, and Landon Morrill placed third with another time drop.

Coaches Trevor Woehrman, Ariel Jones, Ryan Sprugel, and David Robinson praised the team for their preparation and relentless attitude, calling the weekend a showcase of hard-earned breakthroughs. Next, Isaac Clayton will compete at the District Diving meet on November 6, followed by the Class 1 State Championships in St. Louis on November 13–14. This year’s state qualifiers include Whitaker Steward, Isaac Clayton, Braeden Mallonee, Bennett Freeman, Milo Sumpter, Isaac Jensen, with Patrick McNellis and Landon Morrill as alternates. Eleven straight conference championships and the Bulldogs continue their climb.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Scammers Pose as Deputies, Target Residents with Fake Documents

Clay County residents have faced a surge in scam attempts over the past month, as relentless fraudsters impersonating deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have repeatedly called and texted locals in an effort to extort money. The scammers’ tactics include claiming that residents have missed either jury duty or a court date and warning them of an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

Victims report that the callers insist they remain on the phone, threatening that hanging up would constitute breaking the law. The scammers then offer a way out: payment of a so-called “civil bond.” Residents are directed to transfer money through popular apps or deposit funds at a Bitcoin ATM.

In recent weeks, the Sheriff’s Office has also received a notable increase in complaints about fraudulent documents being sent via text message. These documents, crafted to appear official, use information sourced from the internet about the targeted individuals. Authorities emphasize that these texts do not resemble legitimate paperwork issued by the Clay County Circuit Court.

Adding to the sophistication of the scam, reports have emerged in the past two weeks of the Sheriff’s Office main administrative phone number, 816-407-3750, being spoofed. This tactic is intended to make the scam appear more credible to unsuspecting residents. Law enforcement officials urge anyone who receives a suspicious call to verify its authenticity by contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly at their non-emergency number, 816-407-3700.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that deputies will never call to inform someone of an arrest warrant, nor will they demand payment or insist that a person stay on the line.

In Missouri, missing jury duty is considered an offense punishable by a fine, not arrest, and the courts would issue multiple forms of communication before taking any action. Residents are advised to be vigilant, recognize these red flags, and hang up immediately if contacted by someone making such demands.

Officials continue to investigate these scams and urge the community to remain cautious. Anyone who receives a suspicious call or message should report it to the authorities and refrain from providing personal information or sending money.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Cross Country Teams Triumph at District Meet

Kearney High School Girls Cross Country Squad

On Saturday, November 1st, the Kearney High School cross country teams faced off in the Class 4 District meet held at Lees Summit North High School. The girls squad wasted no time shaking off the chill, launching into their race with a powerful start. Senior Daisy Burnam led the pack early, eventually finishing third overall with an impressive 5K time of 19:30.

Kearney had six runners finish in the top thirty, all earning all-district honors: Daisy Burnam (3rd), Izzy Fowler (7th), Jordin Vaughn (14th), Abbi McQuillen (27th), Drew Gustason (29th), and Lenny Watts (30th). Freshman Kadence Vanderau narrowly missed joining her teammates, finishing 33rd.

Despite having six runners in the top thirty, the girls team found themselves in a rare first-place tie with Capitol City High School at the conclusion of the race. In cross country, team scores are determined by the placement of the top five finishers. When teams are tied, the finish of each school's sixth runner becomes the deciding factor. Freshman Lenny Watts played a crucial role for Kearney, outrunning Capitol City’s sixth finisher and securing the district championship for her team.

Kearney High School Boys Cross Country Squad

Turning to the boys race, Kearney entered the competition with determination and resilience. Their season had been marked by adversity, as they lost their top runner and leader, senior Isaac Smith, to a season-ending injury four weeks earlier. Just a week before the district meet, the team suffered another blow when Atlas Owen, their fifth runner, was also sidelined with an injury.

Despite these setbacks, the boys were determined to finish among the top four teams and qualify for the State meet. Embracing a "next-man-up" mentality, several athletes delivered personal best performances, some improving by nearly a minute. Cameron Fowler led the Bulldogs, finishing second overall with a remarkable 5K time of 16:20. Alongside Fowler, Alex Gustafson (18th) and Tristin Barton (22nd) also earned all-district honors.

As live results were posted, Kearney boys anxiously watched the standings fluctuate. Ultimately, the team faced a tiebreaker with St. Michaels for fourth place, with a coveted spot at State hanging in the balance. Freshman Jackson Vasquez, running in place of the injured Atlas Owen, was Kearney’s sixth finisher, edging out St. Michael’s sixth runner by four places and clinching the team’s ticket to the State meet.

Ties are uncommon in cross country and having two occur at the same District meet made the event especially memorable for Kearney High School runners. The girls team’s feat of earning six all-district honors—more than any other school—highlighted their depth and talent. For the boys, overcoming injuries and securing a State berth showcased their perseverance and determination.

Both the Kearney High School girls and boys cross country teams will compete in the Class 4 State Meet on Friday, November 7th, at Gans Creek in Columbia, eager to build on their district success and pursue further achievements.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.