By Michael Bushnell

Northeast News

June 8, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Acting on community complaints and in partnership with the City Manager’s office and the Dangerous Buildings department, East Patrol officers including KCPD Major Joe McHale toured properties in the Scarritt, Indian Mound, and Lykins neighborhoods on Wednesday, June 8, finalizing demolition details with department manager Shockey Franciscus.

“I’ve had enough,” said McHale. “I’m constantly getting phone calls and emails about these properties. Now we’re taking action.”

After officers gained entry at a property in the 100 block of N. Topping, firefighters discovered a squatter inside the structure. Officers arrested the man, one Philip Noel, a known scrap metal thief and drug-addicted criminal.

“This is exactly why we’re acting on these complaints,” said McHale. “This guy negatively impacts the quality of life for everyone in the community.”

Among some of the other stolen property in the back yard was a metal cart belonging to Frito Lay that was pilfered from Price Chopper. Roughly twenty stolen bicycles were also located on the second floor of the residence. The home on N. Topping and another at 3221 Roberts Avenue are but two on a list of seven or eight structures targeted by Police and Dangerous Buildings officials for quick clean up and demolition. Clean up of the Roberts property will be done by this Saturday and demolition will follow within the next two weeks. The North Topping property is in the process of being moved to the Land Bank rolls where an escalated clean up and demolition date will be determined.