Police Department News

Officers Locate Unique Item During an Arrest

On January 6th, 2023, plain clothes officers with our Crime Reduction Team were working in one of our shopping centers to apprehend shoplifters. As the officers were coordinating their efforts with one of the businesses, they were alerted to a suspect that was walking out of the store with a large amount of merchandise. Our officers detained the suspect and began their investigation. The investigation would reveal that the suspect had fled the store with approximately $6500 worth of clothing, electronics, jewelry and cologne; the suspect also showed up that day in a vehicle that was listed as stolen out of Kansas City, MO. A search of the stolen car would reveal additional stolen items from other retailers and one item that stood out; a large, silver trophy. The engraving on the trophy revealed that it belonged to the late Len Dawson, it was presented to him for his years of “Meritorious Service in Pro Football” in 1976. Detectives reached out to the Kansas City Chief’s organization who connected them to Len’s wife, Linda. Detectives would learn that the trophy was probably stolen sometime in the early 1980’s and Linda was overjoyed to have it back in her possession. We were glad we could play a part in that reunion at the same time affecting a good arrest for theft and other charges.