For Immediate Release

April 23, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against the ATV driver who struck a Kansas City Police Department officer earlier this month.

Kendall S. Coleman faces 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, and Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention. *

“We will not permit reckless driving and attacks on our law enforcement officers or any member of our community,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “I am proud our community came forward to help us reveal the identity of the defendant, allowing officers to apprehend him. If you have information on criminal activity, speak up. Your voice can make our streets safer and ensure those who harm our officers are held accountable.” 

According to court records, Kansas City police were conducting a traffic violation stop of a group of ATVs and motorcycles at Truman Road and Main Street on April 12. During the stop, an officer attempted to remove the ATV driver, later identified as the defendant, from his ATV to place him into custody. The defendant reversed the ATV, causing the officer to fall to the ground. While the officer was crouched down, the defendant lifted his ATV into a wheelie and then dropped the front wheels of the vehicle onto the officer, running him over with all four tires. The defendant fled the scene. 

Officers later located the defendant near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard, but he fled again, eventually ending up on Highway I-35 where he was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic, weaving between lanes. Officers eventually lost sight of the defendant. 

An anonymous Crime Stoppers TIP led to the identification and apprehension of the defendant. 

The defendant is in custody.

*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.

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Media Contact: 

Jazzlyn Johnson

Director of Communications 

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office 

415 E 12th Street

Kansas City, MO - 64106

(816) 929-1289 

jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org 

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com