Claycomo Police Department

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

Reminder: During severe weather, City Hall is open for anyone needing shelter. An officer will assist you in getting safely to the basement if needed. Please do not hesitate to come if you need a safe place during a storm.

05/14/2026

Robbery and Pursuit Results in Felony Charges

Today, Clay County Prosecutors charged Defendant Lester Brown Jr. with the Class A Felony of Robbery in the First Degree, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and the Class D Felony of Aggravated Fleeing (Valentine’s Law), which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The charges follow an incident on May 13 where, according to police reports, a victim was visiting his daughter’s grave at Terrance Park Funeral Home and Cemetery when he noticed the Defendant wearing a black ski mask approach his 2021 Toyota Highlander. After a brief physical struggle over the vehicle, Brown allegedly managed to flee the scene in the stolen SUV.

Police reports state that Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) officers initiated a pursuit as the vehicle fled the area. The Claycomo Police Department later advised they were behind the Highlander traveling south on I-435 Highway, just north of 48th Street. In the area of I-435 Highway and Front Street, the KCPD SWAT Team located the vehicle and took over the pursuit.

The driver allegedly continued to elude officers for several miles where authorities observed the vehicle weaving in and out of traffic without using turn signals, reaching speeds between 90 MPH and 100 MPH. The fleeing vehicle also allegedly drove off-road in areas where members of the public were present, including children playing at a nearby school and active construction crews. The KCPD Helicopter Unit was overhead during the pursuit to assist ground units.

The chase ended after the vehicle reached an area in Kansas City, Jackson County, where it collided with a concrete barrier and came to a stop. Lester Brown Jr. was then taken into custody.

The Court issued an arrest warrant and set the bond at $200,000.

“Targeting someone who is mourning the loss of a loved one is not acceptable and neither is fleeing from law enforcement. These types of crimes put officers, innocent citizens, and entire neighborhoods at risk. We will continue to hold offenders accountable,” stated Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson.

We thank the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and the Claycomo Police Department for their work and collaboration, which allowed us to successfully file charges within 24 hours.

The information above was obtained from the court-filed probable cause statement in case 26CY-CR01213. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges are allegations only and do not constitute evidence of guilt. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to seeking justice inside the courtroom

05/14/2026

Today we recognize Officer Curiale by presenting him with the department’s Life Saving Award. On April 19th, an individual was experiencing a medical emergency that required the deployment of Narcan. Officer Curiale’s quick response to the scene, along with his fast and decisive actions, helped save the individual’s life and stabilize them until they could be transported to the hospital by Claycomo Fire.

We are proud to recognize Officer Curiale for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving our community.

Chief Coonce

05/13/2026

Captain Lorenson and K9 Axl were invited to a local elementary school for Career Day, where K9 Axl completely stole the show. A few training hides were placed outside the school, and “Ax-man” met with students from kindergarten through 5th grade to demonstrate why he’s the ultimate hide-and-seek champion.

Even with a few creative attempts to trick him, K9 Axl proved he could find the hides with ease. The students had a great time learning about police K9s and seeing his skills in action.

We also wanted to say thank you for all of the cards we received. K9 Axl gives them two paws up. 🐾

We appreciate the invitation to spend time with the students and staff, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Chief Coonce

05/12/2026

During National Police Week, we want to thank the men and women of the Claycomo Police Department for their dedication to keeping our community safe.

Our officers serve Claycomo 24/7, and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment every day. This week, we chose a few photos of some of our officers to share in recognition of their service.

If you see an officer this week, take a moment to thank them for all they do!

Chief Coonce

05/11/2026

Last week, Captain Lorenson, along with representatives from numerous agencies across the state and command staff officers from Nebraska and Iowa, became certified through the FBI-LEEDA Managing Internal Affairs program.

It is essential for departments to invest in FBI-LEEDA training to ensure command staff are receiving some of the highest-quality leadership and investigative training available. Continued professional development like this helps strengthen our agency and better serve the communities we are sworn to protect.

Chief Coonce

05/01/2026

K9 Axl hanging out at The Animal House today getting all groomed up. K9 Axl strongly encourages his paw friends to check it out!

04/28/2026

Today we welcome our newest full-time officer, Logan Throckmorton. Officer Throckmorton joins us with previous experience from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in the patrol division. He will officially begin Field Training tomorrow, working alongside his Field Training Officer, Officer Firkins.

Chief Coonce

04/25/2026

SB I-35 at the Pleasant Valley off ramp is closed due to an apparent runaway fuel truck.

Guard cable is damaged obviously and removing the truck/trailer will take time.

Please find an alternate route