FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2026

For More Information Contact:
Justin Jones
Deputy Chief
Police Department
660.785.6945

KPD arrests 2 after report of stolen vehicle

(Kirksville, MO) - The Kirksville Police Department made two arrests Tuesday, July 21, following a report of a stolen vehicle.

KPD responded to a call about a stolen vehicle at approximately 3:27 am in the 500 block of North Ely Street. While an officer was on scene taking the victim's report, the stolen vehicle returned to the area. The white 2016 Ford Focus fled as officers attempted to stop it. Officers pursued the vehicle as it meandered around town. As it appeared headed outside the city, officers deployed a tire deflation device near North Baltimore Street and Park Plaza.

The device stopped the vehicle, and the suspects fled on foot into the surrounding neighborhood, where officers quickly took them into custody.

Gabe Wachter, 19, of Kirksville, and Bella Brown, 20, of Kirksville, have both been charged with Tampering with a Motor Vehicle and Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, Detention or Stop.

KPD asks residents near Park Plaza and Broadlawn Drive to check their yards for any items the suspects may have discarded as they ran from police. Contact Kirksville Police at 660.665.5621 if you locate anything suspicious. Also contact police if you have any outside security cameras that captured the events.

The Kirksville Police Department was assisted by the Truman State University Police Department.

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