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While Kansas City police officers surrounded a Wal-Mart near Interstate 35 and Missouri Highway 152, searching for an alleged gunman, Liberty police arrested the suspect at his home in Liberty.

“We got him as he was walking out of his apartment,” said Maj. James Simpson of the Liberty Police Department. “We’re holding him for Kansas City.”

According to reports, at approximately 9:39 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, a man called Wal-Mart threatening to shoot people inside the store. Liberty arrested the 35-year-old man at 11:55 a.m. in the 200 block of North Water Street without resistance.

Officer Darin Snapp of the Kansas City Police Department said the man claimed he had an AK-47 and was headed to Wal-Mart to kill everyone and that he would be there in five minutes. After police arrived on the scene, the man called back.

“He also stated that he wanted an officer to shoot and kill him because he had cancer and he had nothing to lose,” Snapp said.

Snapp said the man had apparently been at the store the day before and tried to cash check, but Wal-Mart refused to cash it, which upset the man.

The man’s name is being withheld until charges are filed, according to Clay County Prosecutor Dan White.

“Basically, we’re just waiting to get the police officers’ reports, and we’ll review it and see if charges, if any, should be filed,” White said.

Liberty Superintendent Mike Brewer said four schools near the Wal-Mart were locked down during the incident as a precaution.

Mary Nold, a Kansas City North woman who was shopping at the store when the incident occurred, said customers were locked in the store as police searched the premises.

“I was in the check-out line and they wouldn’t let anyone in or out,” Nold said. “It was kind of a mystery what was going on at first. We saw the helicopters, so we knew it was serious.”

She said Wal-Mart employees handed out water and chips to those forced to stay in the store.

“Most people were very nice, and we were well taken care of,” Nold said.

For more information, pick up the Aug. 27 edition of the Liberty Tribune.

Liberty Editor Angie Anaya Borgedalen can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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