Hooligans on dirt bikes, ATVs and suped-up cars overrun downtown Kansas City nabe, terrorizing locals

New York Post - May 8th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Wild street racing and escalating crime have transformed the Crossroads neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, into a dangerous zone, causing alarm among residents and business owners. The area's once vibrant nightlife has been overshadowed by illegal activities, with racers using modified cars, dirt bikes, and ATVs to perform stunts. Business owners like David Lopez and Bradley Gilmore have voiced their frustration over the lack of police presence, which they believe has emboldened these lawless acts. Lopez, the general manager of Manny’s Mexican Restaurant, has taken measures to protect his staff by sending them home early, fearing for their safety. Meanwhile, Gilmore has attempted to contact Mayor Quinton Lucas for support but has received no response.

The Kansas City Police Department is now taking steps to address the issue, increasing patrols and cracking down on illegal street activities in the Crossroads. This follows a serious incident where a KCPD officer was injured by an ATV during an arrest attempt, underscoring the risks involved. The ATV driver, Kendall Coleman, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Police Chief Stacey Graves has acknowledged the severity of the problem and the miraculous recovery of the injured officer. The ongoing chaos poses significant implications for community safety and the local economy, as businesses may face closures or relocations if the situation does not improve.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely overview of the issues facing the Crossroads neighborhood in Kansas City, focusing on street racing and its impact on local businesses. It effectively captures the concerns of business owners through direct quotes and highlights the police department's response to the problem. However, the article's reliance on anecdotal evidence and lack of diverse perspectives limit its accuracy and balance. By not including input from residents, law enforcement, and city officials, the article presents a somewhat one-sided view that may not fully inform readers about the broader context or potential solutions. Enhancing the article with more comprehensive data and a wider range of viewpoints could improve its overall quality and impact, making it a more informative and engaging piece for the public.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several claims that are partially supported by evidence, but some require further verification. For instance, the assertion that the Crossroads neighborhood in Kansas City is overrun by street racers is supported by the statement from local business owners and the Kansas City Police Department's response. However, the extent of this issue's impact on crime rates and overall safety remains unverified. Additionally, the claim about a lack of police presence is based on anecdotal evidence from business owners, which could benefit from official crime statistics or police reports to confirm its accuracy. The reported incident involving a KCPD officer injured by an ATV is corroborated by another source, lending credibility to that specific claim. Overall, while some facts are verifiable, the article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and lacks comprehensive data to fully substantiate all claims.

5
Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspectives of local business owners and their grievances regarding street racing and crime. This focus results in an imbalance, as it does not equally represent the viewpoints of law enforcement or city officials, aside from a brief mention of the police department's response. The absence of comments from residents or other stakeholders in the neighborhood, such as city planners or community organizations, further skews the narrative. By not including these perspectives, the article risks portraying a one-sided view that emphasizes the negative impacts on businesses without exploring potential solutions or differing opinions on the issue.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward in its presentation of information, using direct quotes from business owners to convey their concerns. The structure is logical, beginning with the problem statement and following with specific examples and responses from authorities. However, the tone leans towards sensationalism, using phrases like 'pit of Hell' and 'commandeered by road racers,' which may influence readers' perceptions. While the language is accessible, the article could benefit from a more neutral tone to maintain objectivity and avoid potential bias.

6
Source quality

The article cites local business owners and the Kansas City Police Department as primary sources, which lends some credibility to the claims made. However, the reliance on anecdotal evidence from business owners, such as David Lopez and Bradley Gilmore, without corroborating data or broader community input, limits the depth of the reporting. The use of Fox 4 and the Kansas City Star as sources provides some level of authority, but the article would benefit from a more diverse range of sources, including official crime statistics or statements from city officials, to enhance its reliability and provide a more comprehensive view of the issue.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing context for the claims made, particularly regarding the extent of street racing and crime in the Crossroads neighborhood. While it mentions business owners' concerns and the police department's response, it does not clearly outline the methodology for gathering this information or disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the article does not provide background information on the neighborhood's history or any previous efforts to address these issues, which would help readers understand the broader context and evaluate the claims more effectively.

Sources

  1. https://kcpolice.org/crime/crime-mapping/
  2. https://data.kcmo.org/dataset/KCPD-Crime-Data-2025/dmnp-9ajg
  3. https://www.weichert.com/search/community/neighborhood.aspx?hood=6180
  4. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/mo/kansas-city/crime
  5. https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2024-09-13/violating-shocking-kansas-city-residents-are-desperate-for-an-end-to-the-property-crime-wave