First Top 10 Most Wanted Suspect Arrested in Kearney

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of Kristen Hailee Wood, who had been featured on Clay County’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. Wood is with delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 28, Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the Kearney Police Department, took her into custody without incident in Kearney, Missouri. Sheriff’s Office Officials said the arrest came just one day after the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office publicized its Top 10 Most Wanted list.

The Sheriff’s Office said an anonymous tip helped investigators locate Wood outside a Kearney hotel, underscoring the role of community information in locating wanted suspects. The case also reflects cooperation among the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Kearney Police Department, Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.

The anonymous tipster in the case is expected to receive a $3,000 reward from the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers. Authorities thanked community members who shared information and said public cooperation remains a critical part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest said the coordinated effort helped safely take a wanted suspect into custody and reinforced the value of regional partnerships in keeping local communities safe.

Wood is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Woman Arrested After Pursuit Ends Safely

A Kearney woman is in custody following an early-morning incident on Sunday, July 20, that began with a suspicious traffic stop and ended with a safe resolution thanks to quick action by local police.

Around 3:15 am, a Kearney patrol officer observed a vehicle stopped for an unusually long period—more than 30 seconds—at a stop sign. When the vehicle finally moved, it entered the wrong lane of traffic, prompting the officer to attempt a traffic stop.

The driver did not pull over and continued to drive, prompting additional officers to respond. Law enforcement utilized a pursuit prevention strategy to bring the vehicle to a controlled and safe stop.

The 39-year-old female driver from Kearney, initially refused to exit the vehicle but was ultimately removed and taken into custody without further incident. She later admitted to officers that she had consumed alcohol and used methamphetamine prior to driving.

She now faces several charges, including driving while intoxicated, providing false information to law enforcement, and reckless driving, among others.

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.

Shop With a Cop Gives Christmas to 20 Children

Law enforcement officers brought Christmas to over 20 underprivileged kids on Saturday, December 14. The Shop with a Cop program brought smiles to children from Kearney and Holt.

“We have so many great local businesses and generous citizens that donated to this great cause to make it a success each year,” reads a post on the police department’s Facebook page. “The Kearney Police Department is very fortunate to have much an amazing community to serve! Thank you all!”

Police officers from Kearney and Lathrop, as well as the Missouri State Highway Patrol and members of Behind the Badge – Kearney, MO, were able to take the excited kids Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart in Liberty for presents for their families and themselves.

In addition to shopping for presents, Price Chopper in Kearney donated a holiday meal to each family, and Hess Barbershop, Total E-Clips and Henry Rose Salon donated a free haircut to each child.

“The children and their families were absolutely thrilled with all of the items they were able to get for Christmas this year, all thanks to the generous donations of our Kearney community.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Police Fundraise for Shop With a Cop

The Kearney Police Department is accepting donations to their annual Shop With a Cop program. Officers will be out collecting money to help buy presents for children at several locations this year.

The Police Department loves this program and so far, they have been able to give to over 400 kids through Shop With a Cop.

“The Kearney Police Department has a rich tradition of this yearly fundraising effort that allows us to bring deserving children shopping before Christmas,” reads their post on social media. “It is an effort that the department has been committed to for a number of years and we enjoy every bit of it!” 

Officers will be collecting money at the following locations in November:

November 9, all day at Bulldog Nutrition and Kearney Nutrition

November 12, 5 – 8 pm at La Fuente

November 16, 8 am – noon at Price Chopper

November 27, 8 am – noon at Price Chopper

People can also donate at Venmo@KearneyMO-ShopwithaCop or by dropping off a check at Kearney Trust Bank (main bank or at Price Chopper).  Donors can also stop by the Police Department to make a direct donation to Shop With a Cop.

Kearney Officers will be shopping with close to 50 children from the Kearney School District on Saturday, December 14, at Wal-mart on Church Road in Liberty.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.