Chetopa Police Department

Chetopa Police Department Police Department

05/14/2026

CHETOPA POLICE DEPARTMENT IMPORTANT COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT.
Well folks… we officially have questions.
Not about major crimes. Not about suspicious activity. Not even about why jumpstart pizza tastes better at 1:47 AM.

No… today’s mystery is: “Who stole the flowers?” seriously people!!!

Now we just want to talk. Because out of ALL the things available in this town… somebody looked at a flower bed and said:
“Yep. That’s the score of the century right there.”
Not a catalytic converter. Not a TV. Not even somebody’s grill during tornado season.
Flowers.
Whole criminal operation looked like: “GO GO GO!” “Grab the petunias!” “THE NEIGHBORS ARE WATCHING!” “WE’RE LOSING DAYLIGHT!”
Listen… this isn’t even about the money.

Chetopa is a small town and people here actually care about keeping it looking nice. Those flowers were planted by people trying to make the community beautiful… not start an underground black-market tulip cartel.
So here’s the deal from the Police Department:
Bring the flowers back.

No questions asked.
And honestly? I’ll personally buy you your own bouquet. A REAL bouquet. One that’s handed to you legally and doesn’t require a tactical midnight gardening mission.
You deserve flowers too. You just don’t have to earn them like a raccoon with warrants.
At this point we’re one step away from putting out a BOLO for suspicious individuals traveling with excessive pollen.

Please return the flowers before Officers have to dust begonias for fingerprints and explain that sentence in court paperwork.
Thank you, Chetopa Police Department Protecting the community… and apparently the petunias.

04/26/2026

Chetopa Police Department Storm Update: We Think We Intimidated the Weather we call that a win.

Well… Mother Nature came in last night talking reckless, acting like she was about to remake Twister… and then delivered pretty much nothing.

Respectfully… that was a weather bluff.
We called it.
Now tonight, we assume she’s coming back trying to restore her reputation.
So yes — the shelter is staying open again tonight.
But honestly? We have a theory.
We’re pretty sure when the storm gets close to Chetopa, it’s going to make a sharp right turn and leave once it realizes we’re ready.
Picture it…
Storm rolls up…

Sees Chetopa residents in the shelter with flashlights, snacks, Stanley cups, weather radios…
…and in the background, The Thunder Rolls starts playing dramatically.
Thunder rolls… and the lightning strikes…
Storm pauses.
Looks around.
Sees we’re prepared.
And just goes:
“Nope. Hard right.”

At this point we believe severe weather hits the county line, hears Garth Brooks in the distance, sees the shelter open, and decides this town has become too emotionally prepared to mess with.
Forecast currently calls for:
60% chance of storms
80% chance Mother Nature is still holding a grudge
100% chance The Thunder Rolls starts playing like a movie soundtrack when radar lights up
Honestly we think the storm sees Chetopa and treats it like a speed trap.
Storm Cell: “Uh… police presence detected.”
Mother Nature: “Take a right. Take a right NOW.”

Garth Brooks in background: Thunder rolls…
And if it does turn?
We are absolutely claiming law enforcement presence and classic country music deterred severe weather.
Please do not jinx this by saying:
“It’ll split around us.”
“Storms never hit here.”
“We scared the tornado off.”
That is how you trigger the sequel.
So the shelter remains open because while we fully suspect Mother Nature may roll up, hear The Thunder Rolls, get nervous and hook a sharp right at the city limits… we are not betting public safety on Garth alone.
Stay safe, stay weather aware…
And if the storm turns away while Garth is playing, we will consider that official proof Chetopa collectively bullied a thunderstorm with country music.
— Chetopa Police Department

04/25/2026

Chetopa Police Department Weather Bulletin: Twister 2 — This Time It’s Personal
Attention residents: Mother Nature is once again chosing violence this weekend.

Forecast says storms may be moving in, and judging by the radar, the sky looks like it has an attitude. The storm shelter is OPEN all weekend for anyone needing a safe place when the weather starts acting like it owes people money.

Current projected storm behavior includes:
Turning porch cushions into missiles.
Relocating one trampoline to Oklahoma.
Tossing a kiddie pool into next Tuesday.
Making every man over 50 stand outside with arms crossed saying, “We needed the rain.”

Emergency preparedness checklist: Phone charged
Flashlight located
Weather app open
Pets accounted for
Stanley cup filled with emotional support ice
White DirecTV remote secured (because somehow it survives every tornado)
Please do not: ❌Go outside to “smell the rain.”
Fight the wind. You will lose.
Post “anyone hear sirens?” while sirens are actively going off.
Let Uncle Rick tell you this reminds him of ‘73 and keep you from sheltering.
And a reminder…

If you hear:
“The trees are bending funny…” — go to shelter.
“That cloud is spinning…” — go faster.
“Hold my beer, I wanna watch this…” — leave that person behind.
We are also respectfully asking residents to stop challenging the tornado with comments like: “Come on then.” “You ain’t doing nothing.” “I survived the 2007 ice storm.”
That is how sequels happen.

On a serious note: The shelter is open and available if needed. Please monitor conditions and take precautions early.
Because we would very much like to avoid responding to calls involving:
A barbecue grill in a soybean field
A flying chicken coop
Or someone reporting, “My shed has joined a transport system” BNSF Railway
Stay safe, Chetopa.

And remember… if you see a cow fly by… that is no longer agriculture, that is aviation.
Chetopa Police Department

04/21/2026

Chetopa Police Department – Community Alert with some truthful spice

We’ve recently received reports of an individual identified as Adam Johnson, traveling around town in either a pickup truck or a Mustang, going door-to-door offering various services, collecting down payments… and then apparently disappearing faster than your motivation on a Monday morning.

Let’s be clear if you pay for a service, you should actually get the service. That’s kind of how this whole “society” thing works.

If you or someone you know has had contact with this individual and provided any form of payment, please reach out to the Chetopa Police Department. We’re trying to get a full picture of how many folks have been affected so we can put a stop to this nonsense.

Now, on a serious note: taking advantage of our residents especially the hardworking, trusting people that make this community what it is will not be tolerated. Not here. Not ever.
We take pride in looking out for one another in Chetopa, and we fully intend to make sure anyone trying to run a “pay me now, vanish later” business model finds themselves out of business real quick.

Friendly reminder:
• Ask for credentials
• Don’t feel pressured to pay upfront
• Trust your gut — if it feels off, it probably is
Stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and as always — if something seems suspicious, give us a call.
Chetopa Police Department

04/18/2026

CHETOPA POLICE DEPARTMENT – WEATHER ALERT
Alright Chetopa… gather ‘round.
Round 1 came in hot with full The Wizard of Oz energy — howling winds, stuff flying everywhere, and at least one of you staring out the window wondering if your house was about to unlock a fast-travel feature.
We made it through… some of y’all barely… and your patio furniture definitely didn’t.
But now…
Mother Nature has clearly sat down, grabbed popcorn, and binge-watched Twister and decided:
“Yeah… let’s run that back, but louder.”
WELCOME TO ROUND 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO
Here’s what we’re already dealing with:
Lawn chairs down by the river have officially formed a union and are relocating without notice
Trash cans are out here doing Olympic gymnastics with no judges present
A trampoline was last seen achieving low Earth orbit (we wish we were kidding)
One grill has chosen freedom and is currently headed toward a new life three blocks over
Wind gusts strong enough to make you question every life decision that led you to owning lightweight patio décor
And the Jump Start gas station is sitting there like, “If I start spinning, I’m calling corporate.”
We’ve also received unconfirmed reports of:
A cooler attempting to outrun a pickup truck
Someone’s decorative yard goose finally living its dream of flight
And at least one citizen opening their door, seeing the wind, and immediately saying, “Nope,” and closing it again (correct decision)
At this point, let’s be clear:
If it’s outside and not tied down, bolted down, or spiritually grounded… it’s joining the storm.
NOW FOR THE PART WHERE WE MEAN BUSINESS:
Storm shelters are OPEN RIGHT NOW and available to all residents.
We strongly encourage you to:
Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary
Do NOT go outside to watch the storm — this is not front-row entertainment
Secure anything outside (chairs, grills, trampolines, your neighbor’s stuff that blew into your yard… all of it)
Move to shelter immediately if conditions worsen or warnings are issued
Keep phones charged and stay updated on weather alerts
Our officers will be out monitoring conditions, checking on safety, and responding as needed.
However, just to set expectations:
We will not be issuing APBs for runaway lawn chairs
We are not certified tornado chasers
And we cannot arrest the wind (we’ve tried)
Chetopa, we joke because that’s what we do… but this weather is no joke.
Take it seriously, take precautions, and look out for one another.
Let’s get through Electric Boogaloo: Ultimate Extended Edition the right way:
No injuries
No emergencies
And ideally… fewer items attempting to become airborne citizens
Stay safe, stay smart, and maybe keep an eye on that chair one more time.
— Chetopa Police Department

04/16/2026

Public Service Announcement – City of Chetopa
To our residents, guests, and honorary Spoonville tourists:
We’re thrilled you came to enjoy our beautiful parks. Fresh air, sunshine, Spoonville magic… what’s not to love?
However… it appears some folks treated our parks less like a scenic getaway and more like a “leave your trash and vanish” speedrun challenge. Bold strategy. Not appreciated.
Let’s clear something up: Our parks are not a giant outdoor trash can.
They are also not a “drop your snack wrappers and hope they grow into trees” experiment.
Our city workers and volunteers bust their tails to keep these areas clean and enjoyable for everyone. They signed up to maintain parks—not to go on daily scavenger hunts for juice boxes, chip bags, and whatever mystery item was left behind near the swings.
So here’s the deal: If you brought it with you…
It goes back out with you.
(Revolutionary concept, we know.)
Parents—we love the kiddos, but if they can carry it in, they can carry it out… or at least hand it to you before it becomes part of Chetopa’s “modern art installation.”
Let’s keep our parks looking like a place people want to visit—not a crime scene investigated by the Department of Lost Snacks.
Help us keep Chetopa beautiful. Pick up after yourselves.
Your cooperation is appreciated… and so is our sanity.

04/15/2026

Attention Chetopa Residents (Toto, we’ve got a situation…)
Alright folks, the weather is starting to act like it just got cast in The Wizard of Oz. If you hear wind howling, see lawn chairs flying, or your neighbor’s trampoline trying to achieve liftoff… it might be time to make like Dorothy and relocate.

Good news: no need to follow a yellow brick road—we’ve already got the destination covered. The storm shelter is OPEN and ready.
If things start getting a little too “flying monkeys and wicked witch” outside, come on down. We promise the only thing you’ll have to worry about inside is who forgot the snacks.
On a serious note:

Due to the possibility of severe weather, the storm shelter will remain open for the duration of the storm. If you feel unsafe in your home or need a secure location, please use the shelter.
Your safety is our priority. Stay weather aware and take all necessary precautions.
— Chetopa Police Department

04/05/2026

💙 Chetopa Police Department – Autism Awareness Month 2026 💙
April is Autism Awareness Month.
For some, that may sound like just another awareness campaign…
But for many families in our community, it is every single day of their lives.
It’s the parent who stays awake at night, worrying about their child’s future.
It’s the child who covers their ears because the world feels just a little too loud.
It’s the moment in a grocery store, a classroom, or a public street where someone is misunderstood—not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because the world doesn’t always understand them.
Autism is not a flaw.
It is not something that needs to be “fixed.”
It is a different way of experiencing the world—one that deserves patience, dignity, and above all… compassion.
At the Chetopa Police Department, we recognize that sometimes the people who need understanding the most are the ones who receive it the least.
A sudden movement.
A lack of eye contact.
A delayed response.
These are not signs of defiance.
They are not signs of guilt.
Sometimes… they are simply signs of someone trying their best to navigate a world that can feel overwhelming.
And in those moments, how we respond matters.
We want our community to know:
We are listening. We are learning. And we are committed.
Committed to training.
Committed to awareness.
Committed to treating every individual—not just as a call, not just as a situation—but as a human being with a story, a family, and a life that matters.
To the parents, the caregivers, the siblings—your strength is seen, even in the quiet moments when it feels invisible.
To those living with autism—you are not “less than.”
You are not alone.
You are part of this community, and you are valued exactly as you are.
This month, and every month, we ask our community to do something simple—but powerful:
Be patient when it would be easier not to be.
Be kind when you don’t fully understand.
Choose compassion, even in uncomfortable moments.
Because sometimes, the smallest act of understanding can mean everything to someone who feels unseen.
Together, we can make Chetopa not just a safer place…
But a place where everyone belongs.
💙

04/03/2026

Alright Chetopa… let’s gather up for today’s episode of:
“Loose Dogs & Lead Feet”
Dogs Running at Large
We’ve gotten several complaints about dogs roaming town like they’re paying utilities and attending city council meetings.
Here’s the deal:
• If a dog is running loose but hasn’t bitten anyone, we can’t pick it up
• We don’t have a place to keep them (no kennel, no doggy jail, not even a crate behind the coffee maker)
• If a dog is vicious, we can take it to the vet for holding
Per ordinance:
If a dog is chasing livestock, attacking animals, or acting aggressive, you are allowed to protect your property
Today’s report:
• 3 dogs running at large
• No bites—just barking like they had something very important to argue about and pawing
• Statement collected
• Attempt made to contact the owner for a citation
Friendly (but serious) reminder:
If your animals are getting attacked in your yard…
CALL US
Facebook is not dispatch.
It will not send help.
It will, however, give you 47 comments, 12 theories, and at least one person blaming it on something from 1998.
Now… let’s talk about the real issue — SPEEDING THROUGH SCHOOL ZONES
We’re gonna say it plain:
This is a much bigger concern than a dog barking at you from across the street.
A loose dog might chase you…
But a speeding car in a school zone? That’s how lives get changed forever.
Protecting our kids comes first. Every time.
About those speeders
We hear it daily:
• “People are flying through town!”
• “They don’t slow down in school zones!”
• “Y’all need to stop them!”
So… we did.
Now suddenly:
• “Why are there so many traffic stops?”
• “Y’all are just out for money!”
Let’s clear that up real quick—
We are not money hungry.
If we were, we’d probably pick a career that didn’t involve paperwork and getting yelled at on Facebook
We are stopping vehicles because the number one complaint from this community was speeding.
So just to recap:
You asked us to stop speeders
We started stopping speeders
Now we’re getting roasted for… stopping speeders
Chetopa… y’all are something else
Yes, we are pulling people over
Yes, some of y’all have met us (more than once… we noticed)
And no, “I was just going a little fast” is not a new legal defense
Also—if you’re speeding through a school zone and then posting about police presence…
you might be telling on yourself just a little bit.
Reality check:
We are a small department
We do not have officers hiding behind every tree, mailbox, and stop sign
(though based on some of your posts, you’d think we have a whole SWAT team in the bushes)
Final Note:
If you have concerns:
Contact the City Office or Police Department directly
Because Facebook is great for:
• Selling stuff
• Sharing recipes
• And keeping up with drama
…but it is NOT how you get a fast police response.
Bottom line:
• Keep your dogs at home (they’re not on a field trip)
• Slow down in school zones (this is not Fast & Furious: Chetopa Drift)
• Call us when there’s an issue
Let’s work together to keep Chetopa safe…
…and maybe give Facebook a day off
Stay safe out there!

03/25/2026

ARREST MADE IN CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION
On March 24, 2026, the Chetopa Police Department arrested Justin Faulkner following a detailed investigation involving allegations with a minor.

On March 13, 2026, officers received a report of concerning behavior during an extended visit at a parent’s residence. A thorough investigation was immediately launched, including multiple interviews and evidence collection.
Charges Filed:
▪️ Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child
(Offender over 18, victim under 14, involving fondling) x2
Faulkner was taken into custody at approximately 7:20 PM without incident.
He is currently being held at the Labette County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Address

618 N 11th Street
Chetopa, KS
67336

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