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 November, officers engaged in 750 activities, including 24 Arrests (Adults and Juvenile), 16 check welfares, 19 domestic disturbances, 5 hit-and-run crashes, 11 emotional health calls, and 54 Suspicious Activity / Person / Vehicle calls.

NOVEMBER 2024

  • An off-duty officer reported a hit-and-run on the Independence Bridge at S. Main St. The officer’s vehicle was rear-ended, and the suspect fled. The officer identified the vehicle as linked to a prior hit-and-run case involving the same suspect, who was also known to be driving while suspended. The vehicle’s owner initially claimed to be the driver but later admitted her boyfriend was behind the wheel. The suspect was cited and released for Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver and Driving While Suspended.
  • Officers stopped a vehicle for failing to maintain its lane. The driver consented to field sobriety tests, was arrested for DUII, and provided a BAC of 0.10%. Two juvenile passengers were referred for curfew violations. The driver was cited and released.
  • Officers located a person with a warrant near the dog park. The suspect attempted to flee on a bicycle but was eventually stopped. During the arrest, methamphetamines were found on the suspect. He was charged with the warrant and unlawful possession of methamphetamines.
  • Officers responded to a call involving an emotionally disturbed person who reportedly held a pillow over the victim’s face. After investigation, the suspect was transported for a medical evaluation before being arrested for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felony Strangulation, Coercion, Escape in the Third Degree, and Harassment.
  • A resident of an apartment complex reported a break-in at their storage unit, with $2,000 worth of hunting gear stolen. The apartment manager later reported six additional units had been burglarized, including two vacant ones.
  • Officers responded to a fight at Monmouth and 5th St., where a bystander reported one participant’s tongue was bitten off. The incident escalated from a verbal argument, resulting in one suspect biting off the victim’s tongue. The victim was hospitalized, and the suspect was arrested for Assault II, Disorderly Conduct, and a Parole Violation.
  • Officers responded to multiple calls of shots fired near McDonalds. Witnesses described a man in black clothing, carrying a rifle and a flagpole, who confronted a group while shouting threats and firing into the air. Officers recovered four shell casings nearby, but the suspect was not located. The man was last seen heading west.

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