Have you been curious about what our officers have been up to all month? The Independence Police Department is sharing a sample of the calls for service each month to inform and educate community members on the work we do.

In July 2025, officers engaged in 738 activities, including 33 Arrests (Adults and Juveniles), 14 check welfares, 15 domestic disturbances, 5 hit-and-run crashes, 11 emotional health calls, 44 Suspicious Activity / Person / Vehicle, and 1 DUII calls.

JULY 2025

  • During a late-night park check, an officer contacted a person at the boat launch. When the individual opened their car door to retrieve their ID, a loaded handgun fell out. A search revealed brass knuckles in the person’s pocket. The individual, who had a felony record, was taken to jail for being a felon in possession of weapons and carrying a concealed weapon.
  • Officers responding to a domestic disturbance found a victim who reported being pushed and threatened with a stun gun. The victim also sustained injuries after being shoved down a set of stairs. The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Polk County jail.
  • A store clerk refused a suspicious $100 bill and discreetly captured photos of the suspect’s vehicle. Police located the suspect nearby, where fake $100 bills were found in the vehicle. The passenger had also used a counterfeit bill at another store, but was not located. The driver, who had a warrant, was arrested for forgery-related charges.
  • Residents of an apartment complex reported strong odors coming from a unit known to house many animals. A walk-through by management found a cat in a plastic bin in poor condition, with extensive feces, garbage, and insects. Arrangements were made for the animals to be taken in by the Humane Society. One cat later died, and the other animals were malnourished. The tenant was arrested the next morning for felony animal neglect.
  • A traffic stop on Monmouth Street resulted in a DUII investigation. The driver failed sobriety tests, was arrested, and found to have had a blood alcohol content of .13%.
  • An individual was caught shoplifting food and resisted arrest by attempting to kick officers and refusing to cooperate. The person was taken to jail.
  • At the intersection of Monmouth Street and Gun Club Road, a man exited a vehicle and punched another vehicle’s window. The suspect vehicle was identified by its license plate and was located by an officer a few days later. The suspect was arrested for Criminal Mischief and Disorderly Conduct. 
  • Officers responded to a report of an assault between individuals living in a vehicle. One person punched another and attempted to enter a nearby business’s work truck. The suspect was arrested for harassment and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle. A hatchet was also reported stolen from a store, though it was not recovered. Video surveillance showed it was the same suspect. Charges were added while the individual was already in custody.

This is just a sample portion of what your Independence Police Officers do every month. Reach out if you need us! We’re here to serve you.