Latest news with #IndependencePolice
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Independence police chief on leave, fires back at ‘baseless rumors' in FOX4 interview
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman is speaking out Thursday, June 5, to give his side of the story amid swirling rumors about his recent leave from the department. In a revealing interview with FOX4, Dustman categorically denied allegations tied to an incident during National Police Week and emphasized his commitment to the job he loves. Bomb Squad removes grenade from Independence cemetery Since May 23, Chief Dustman has been off the job, stepping away to address 'personal issues.' 'I have personal issues going on. I've decided to take time. I've gone through a rough couple of years with the department and the loss we've had,' he said when asked about the reasons for his leave. 'With the addition of personal issues, now is the time to take some time away to focus on being the best me I can be and the best dad I can be for my boys.' FOX4 confirmed through public records and the chief himself that his wife, Sarah Dustman, filed for divorce at the end of March. However, personal challenges aren't the heart of the controversy. The controversy centers on an event during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., which began on Sunday, May 11. Chief Dustman represented the Independence Police Department as the name of fallen officer Cody Allen was added to the National Fallen Officer Memorial. It was following that solemn event that rumors began to circulate. Some claim the chief went out with colleagues, got so intoxicated he had to be carried to his hotel, and was even kicked out of a bar or involved in a fight. Dustman, however, vehemently denies these claims. Woman arrested & charged with murdering pregnant woman, unborn child on Christmas Eve 2023 The only truth he says is that he went out after hours with fellow officers. Despite his denials, a high-level source confirmed to FOX4 that the incident has prompted, or will prompt, an internal affairs investigation. Chief Dustman says he welcomes the probe and insists his leave of absence has nothing to do with it. In the meantime, Deputy Chief Jason Petersen is leading the department. Dustman says he has full confidence in Petersen and the team to keep things running smoothly. 'I am 100% up for the job. I love this job, it's literally, outside of my kiddos, the single greatest accomplishment of my life,' Dustman responded when asked if he's still up for the job. 'I'm proud to serve this city and the men and women of this police department each and every day. That will never change.' He also expressed concern about someone leaking highly personal information within the department, but said he does not know who is responsible. Person waiting for bus in critical condition after being hit by car Chief Dustman says he is focusing on his sons during this time away and expects to return to headquarters in early July. FOX4 has reached out to the city and the department for comment and is awaiting their response. Stay tuned to FOX4 for the latest updates and developments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Motorcyclist seriously injured in Independence crash Saturday night
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police are investigating after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash in Independence, Missouri, late Saturday night. According to the Independence Police Department, just before 11 p.m., officers were called to the area of Sterling Avenue and 19th Street on reports of an injury crash. Gladstone home explosion leaves one dead, cause still unknown Investigations revealed that the driver of a Kia Sorento had pulled onto Sterling Avenue from 19th Street, as the driver of a Harley Davidson motorcycle had been driving southbound on Sterling. When the Kia pulled out, the motorcyclist hit the back of the car. IPD said the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. The driver of the Kia stayed on the scene and cooperated with investigations. At this time, investigations are ongoing; however, it was discovered that the motorcyclist was wearing a 'non-DOT' helmet at the time of the crash. Teenage girl critically injured in overnight Quindaro Park shooting It is unknown if impairment was involved in the incident, but police say that speed may have been a factor for the motorcyclist. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Two fallen officers honored in annual memorial ceremony
ST. LOUIS – On Saturday, two fallen officers will be honored for their ultimate sacrifice. Independence Police Officer Cody Allen and St. Louis Police Officer David Lee will be remembered during the annual Missouri State Law Enforcement Memorial in Jefferson City. Officer Allen was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice in February of last year. Officer Lee was struck and killed while working a crash on I-70 in September. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. with remarks from Governor Mike Kehoe and Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Independence police chase ends with crash, suspects in custody
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Independence Police say they conducted a pursuit today, March 14 that ended with a single-vehicle crash and two suspects being taken into custody. IPD says officers pulled a vehicle over around 25th and Vermont for traffic charges. However, that vehicle ended up fleeing after pulling over briefly. 'I can't breathe': Video shows KCPD officer arresting man in grocer KCPD assisted, deploying stop sticks to slow down the vehicle. Then, the vehicle crashed into the median at I-35 and Southwest Trafficway. No injuries were reported in the crash. Both occupants of the vehicle, a male driver and a female passenger were taken into custody on multiple felony warrants between the two of them. The driver is being charged with aggravated fleeing under Valentine's Law in addition to the warrants, and both are being charged with possession of a controlled substance, according to IPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
