The Overland Park Police Department is asking for possible tips in identifying a person responsible for criminal damage to property at a church near 127th Street and Antioch Road.
What we know: The incident took place at Church of the Ascension at roughly 10:20 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, according to police.
Cameras caught an individual on the church’s property in the 9500 block of West 127th Street.
In the black-and-white image shared by police, the individual can be seen standing in front of the sign, which appears to be staked into the ground on both sides and is eye-level with the individual.
The person in the image appears to be wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants and has long blonde hair.
Not the first time: Residents who have re-shared police’s post on Facebook say the sign was promoting the proposed Value Them Both amendment Kansans will vote on August 2.
The amendment, if approved, would nullify a 2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling that found a right to abortion in the state constitution and pave the way for the state legislature to impose new restrictions on abortion.
Overland Park Police Public Information Officer John Lacy confirmed the sign pertains to abortion.
He said this is the third time the church’s sign has been tampered with. The first two times, the church did not report damages, he said.
Lacy said no arrests have been made so far.
No injuries or damage to the nearby church building itself were reported from the incident either.
What police are seeking: Residents who have any information about the person or the incident are encouraged to get in touch with the police department.
People with information can call 913-344-8750 or the tip hotline- 816-474-TIPS.
