Marina
A Kansas City man, Kendall S. Coleman, 27, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly running over a police officer with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) during a traffic stop on April 12, 2025.
The incident occurred near Truman Road and Main Street when officers attempted to stop a group of ATVs and motorcycles.
Incident Overview
According to court documents, during the attempted stop, Coleman reversed his ATV, causing an officer to fall to the ground.
He then performed a wheelie, dropping the front wheels onto the officer, and ran over him with all four tires before fleeing the scene. The officer sustained serious injuries.
Later that evening, officers spotted Coleman near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard. He fled again, driving northbound in the southbound lanes of I-35, weaving between traffic. An anonymous tip eventually led to his identification and arrest.
Charges Filed
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that Coleman has been charged with:
- First-degree assault
- Armed criminal action
- Aggravated fleeing from a stop or detention
Johnson stated, “We will not permit reckless driving and attacks on our law enforcement officers or any member of our community.”
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators used surveillance footage from nearby businesses and city cameras to link Coleman to the incident.
Footage showed a man matching Coleman’s appearance making purchases while wearing similar clothing, with a timestamped receipt tied to a Visa card in his name.
Police also recovered a pair of Bluetooth headphones from the scene, which are being tested for DNA.
Suspect’s Background
Court records indicate that Coleman pleaded guilty in 2019 to two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon after a 2017 arrest.
He was sentenced to four years in prison, but the sentence was suspended in favor of three years of supervised probation.
Community Response
The incident has raised concerns about reckless ATV driving in urban areas. Residents and officials are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased safety measures to protect both law enforcement and the public.
The charges against Kendall Coleman highlight the dangers of reckless ATV operation and the importance of community cooperation in law enforcement efforts.
As the legal process unfolds, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by police officers and the need for public vigilance and support.