Hailey
Authorities in Kansas City have identified two individuals believed to be involved in an armed vehicle hijacking incident involving a tow truck.
According to Jackson County Circuit Court documents filed on Friday, June 13, the suspects have been named as Haley B. Kemper, 32, and Jordan D. Lewis, 28, both residents of Kansas City.
The duo is accused of staging a collision to distract the victim, who was later robbed at gunpoint and had his tow truck stolen. Officials believe a third, unidentified accomplice was also involved in the crime.
Details of the Incident in Blue Valley Park
According to a probable cause affidavit submitted by the Kansas City Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 8:55 p.m. on Thursday evening near 23rd and Topping Avenue, in Blue Valley Park.
Off-duty officers in the area were alerted to the theft of a red tow truck that had just taken place. The truck’s driver told investigators that he had been driving when his vehicle was struck by a white Chevrolet Suburban.
After the crash, the suspects exited the SUV, brandished a firearm, and confronted him.
One of the assailants, later identified as Jordan Lewis, reportedly stole a small amount of marijuana from the victim’s pockets before fleeing the scene in the stolen truck.
Suspects Caught Shortly After the Crime
Law enforcement officers later located the Chevrolet Suburban involved in the incident. The driver was identified as Haley Kemper, while Jordan Lewis was seated beside her in the passenger seat. Both were arrested without incident.
Police recovered the stolen tow truck shortly thereafter. It was found parked in a nearby driveway and was promptly confiscated.
Statements and Conflicting Accounts
During interrogation, Kemper admitted that she, Lewis, and a third individual had driven to Blue Valley Park in the Suburban earlier that day. She acknowledged they had been in a hit-and-run and that the victim voluntarily offered up the contents of his pockets before they fled with the truck.
Kemper also revealed they abandoned the vehicle after realizing they didn’t know how to operate it properly.
Lewis, in contrast, told investigators that the hit-and-run accident occurred at his workplace. He denied any role in the robbery and soon after, requested legal representation.
Criminal Background and Legal Consequences
Investigators also noted that Jordan Lewis is a convicted felon, having previously served three years on probation for an attempted robbery charge. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Based on the evidence, both Kemper and Lewis have been formally charged with vehicle hijacking and armed criminal action. If found guilty, they could each face life imprisonment.
A bond review hearing has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, followed by a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. on July 14.
As of Monday afternoon, Kemper remains incarcerated on a $50,000 bond, while Lewis continues to be held on a $100,000 bond. Authorities have not disclosed additional information at this time.
This disturbing case highlights the increasing danger posed by organized vehicle hijackings and the lengths to which some criminals will go to stage crimes.
With two suspects already in custody and facing serious charges, the legal process will determine the full extent of their accountability. The public and law enforcement alike will be watching closely as this case progresses through the courts.