CRIME & SAFETY
Details remain murky in Sunday arrest
A man arrested Sunday night on what police said are allegations of kidnapping, resisting arrest and assault appeared in court Wednesday and denied all wrongdoing. Brett C. Matheny, 33, appeared Wednesday morning before Associate Circuit Judge Rebecca L. Spencer of the Buchanan County Circuit Court. The South Side resident is charged with a single misdemeanor, assault in the fourth degree with a “special victim” alleged: a St. Joseph police officer. Spencer advised him to obtain an attorney or seek to qualify for a public defender. Matheny then told his side of the story before being taken back to the Buchanan County Jail. He will not be allowed to bail out of jail before his next court time, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Sunday arrest produces assault-on-police charge
Police went after a reported kidnapper on Sunday night, but the man they arrested isn’t charged on any such offense, thus far. Brett C. Matheny, 33, a South Side resident arrested that evening, has now received one misdemeanor charge following events that started with authorities being told there may have been a kidnapping involving a child.
Crews respond to early morning structure fire
The St. Joseph Fire Department worked the scene of a structure fire Tuesday at the intersection of Middleton Street and Savannah Avenue. The initial call came in before 3 a.m. with reports of flames coming out of a window of the house. Firefighters contained the fire quickly and it appeared to be subdued when News-Press NOW arrived on the scene at 3:20 a.m.
Families share their stories at the Crime Victim Memorial
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Community members affected by violence came together for the Crime Victim Memorial at the Remington Nature Center Wednesday. The community gathered to remember and honor lost loved ones due to crime violence. The Crime Victim Memorial was organized by the County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Siobhan Jackson, victim...
Police say child is safe after Sunday night incident
A child is safely back at home and there is no threat to the public following an incident Sunday evening, police said. Police responded to what was initially reported to them as a kidnapping shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday, Capt. Jeff Wilson of the St. Joseph Police Department said. Asked about the specific circumstances of the incident, Wilson did not immediately respond, and Chief Paul Luster referred questions to Wilson.
'Know two ways out': Officials encourage safety planning after apartment fire
A recent apartment building fire is serving as a reminder for families to prepare escape plans in their own homes. First responders received a call at 1:57 a.m. Sunday for a structure fire at 1307 Francis St. They arrived on scene five minutes later.
Graffiti issue in St. Joseph
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) When walking around town, you may have noticed unsightly marking on everything from sidewalks to bridges. St. Joseph Police have seen a significant amount of graffiti on a regular basis around town and in local parks. Parks and Recreation Director, Chuck Kempf says, "There were significant graffiti...
Police department looking for new recruits
Those looking for a career in law enforcement will have a chance to find out if it’s right for them, as the police department is hosting new-hire testing dates this month. The St. Joseph Police Department hosted its first testing date on Monday morning, and will host additional testing on April 24 at 8 a.m. and April 27 at 9 a.m. at 501 Faraon St.
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