Another Top Ten Most Wanted Defendant Arrested

Dylan Ray Robertson, a defendant featured on Clay County’s Top Ten Most Wanted list, was taken into custody June 8 after a short foot pursuit near East 85th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, according to authorities.

Robertson is charged with second-degree drug trafficking in State v. Robertson. This marks the fourth arrest since the launch of the county’s Top Ten Most Wanted initiative, an effort that offers a $3,000 anonymous reward for information leading to an arrest. The initiative was publicly announced in late May.

The arrest was carried out by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Kansas City Career Criminal Task Force. Officials said the apprehension followed continued investigative work and coordination among Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement partners.

Officials thanked community members who shared information related to the case, saying public cooperation remains an important part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders. Robertson is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

To view the 10 Most Wanted list, visit claycountyprosecutor.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Two More Suspects on Most Wanted List Captured

Clay County officials announced the arrests of two more suspects who had been featured on the county’s Top 10 Most Wanted list, marking the second and third apprehensions since the initiative launched last week.

Authorities said Michelle Essig and David Santia were both taken into custody in separate arrests over the past several days. Essig, who faces charges of resisting arrest and first-degree robbery was arrested May 29 by members of the Kansas City Police Department’s East Zone Proactive Squad without incident. Santia, charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree tampering was arrested May 31 by officers with the Mill Creek Township Police Department in Pennsylvania.

Officials credited the arrests to continued investigative work and cooperation among Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement partners. The county’s Most Wanted initiative, announced last week, also offers a $3,000 anonymous reward for information leading to an arrest.

Essig is being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings, while Santia is being held at the Erie County Prison awaiting extradition. Authorities also thanked community members for sharing information tied to the cases, saying public cooperation remains essential to locating and apprehending wanted offenders.

“Creating safer communities is a joint effort, and I am proud of our dedicated law enforcement partners and citizens stepping up to make sure justice is delivered in these cases,” Prosecutor Zach Thompson said.

Officials said the full Top 10 Most Wanted list and reward details are available on the Clay County Prosecutor’s website. https://www.claycountyprosecutor.com/

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Prosecutor’s Office Announces Ten Most Wanted List

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has launched a new “Top Ten Most Wanted” initiative designed to help authorities locate and arrest 10 people with outstanding warrants in the county, an effort officials say is intended to move pending criminal cases forward while prioritizing public safety.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the people named through the initiative are wanted in connection with a range of alleged offenses, including violent and repeat felony crimes, gun-related crimes and narcotics delivery. Officials said the individuals are not targets of ongoing investigations; instead, charges have already been filed based on available evidence, and courts have issued warrants for their arrests.

The stated goal of the initiative is to bring defendants before the court so their cases can proceed. Prosecutors also emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, while underscoring that community safety remains the office’s top priority.

The effort is being carried out in partnership with local police departments, state agencies and community organizations, which officials said is intended to ensure arrests are made safely and lawfully.

Officials urged anyone who recognizes someone on the list not to approach them. Instead, they are asking the public to contact law enforcement directly or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. The prosecutor’s office said tipsters may be eligible for a $3,000 reward if information is submitted through Crime Stoppers’ hotline at 816-474-8477, the P3 TIPS mobile app or the organization’s website.

The office said the “Top Ten Most Wanted” list will be updated as arrests are made, individuals surrender or circumstances change. Public information from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County Crime Stoppers also directs residents to submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers rather than confronting wanted individuals themselves.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

High-Speed Chase Leads to Felony Charge

Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Clay County Prosecutors filed charges on April 20, against Reginald Lampkin Jr. for the Class D Felony of Aggravated Fleeing. This charge carries a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The incident began in Liberty, MO, when Lampkin allegedly ran a red light at high speed and nearly hit another vehicle while driving a white Mazda CX9. After officers tried to stop him, Lampkin reportedly slowed down but then sped away, leading police on a 13-minute chase that stretched across Liberty, Kansas City, and Riverside. The pursuit covered 23 miles and reached speeds of 102 MPH.

Police reports indicate that Lampkin drove recklessly, weaving through traffic and ignoring red lights. The chase ended on Interstate 635 near the Kansas state line, where Lampkin allegedly abandoned his car and ran across busy highway lanes. Officers say he ignored commands to stop but was taken into custody after an officer used a Taser.

The Court has set Lampkin’s bond at $100,000. Authorities thanked the Liberty, Riverside, and Missouri State Highway Patrol departments for their teamwork during the investigation.

Officials emphasized the importance of stopping when signaled by law enforcement to keep everyone safe. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office says it is committed to seeking justice through legal proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Prosecutor’s Office Recognizes Outstanding Public Service

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the launch of a new initiative called PROPS – Prosecutors Recognizing Outstanding Public Service, aimed at honoring first responders and community members who demonstrate exceptional service.

The program will spotlight both law enforcement officers and civilians whose efforts contribute to making Clay County a safer and stronger community.

“Public safety is a team effort,” stated Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson. “Every day, individuals across our community step up to protect others, support victims, and make a difference. PROPS gives us an opportunity to recognize and thank those who go above and beyond in service to the public.”

The initiative will recognize individuals whose actions reflect courage, integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service, including law enforcement and emergency personnel who have made a significant impact in the area.

The first PROPS recognition breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Through this program, the Prosecutor’s Office hopes to celebrate positive contributions across the community and emphasize the importance of collaboration in public safety.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.