Van Buren Police Department

06/03/2026

**SCAM ALERT***

We are urging residents to remain vigilant following recent reports of phone scams targeting local citizens.

According to reports, fraudsters are impersonating Carter County Deputies. In these calls, the scammers frequently threaten citizens with arrest or prosecution regarding missed jury duty notices, or they attempt to gather sensitive personal and business information. Additionally, some citizens have been instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers over the phone to clear up fictitious warrants.

Please be advised that these are well-known, ongoing scams. The Sheriff’s Office will never solicit funds, demand gift cards, or threaten arrest over the phone for missed jury duty.
Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols:
• Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who calls you unsolicited.
• Hang up if a caller makes threats or demands immediate payment.
• Verify the call by contacting the Carter County Sheriff's Office directly
Please share this information with your friends, neighbors, and family members to help protect our community from these predatory tactics.

05/29/2026

🚗 Car Seat Safety Event 🚗

Join CPSTs Breanna and Olivia for a FREE car seat check event!

📅 June 16th
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Carter County Health Center Drive-Thru

Drive through and have your child’s car seat checked for:
✔ Proper installation
✔ Correct use
✔ Appropriate fit for your child

Please bring your child with you so we can make sure they are in the right seat for their age, height, and weight.

Help keep your little ones safe on the road! ❤️

05/19/2026

🚨 BLUE ALERT ISSUED AFTER SHOOTING INVOLVING POLICE 🚨

Law enforcement agencies across Missouri are searching for a suspect after officers were reportedly fired on during a traffic stop in Caruthersville, Missouri early Sunday morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 42-year-old Zachary Rance Walker allegedly exchanged gunfire with officers before fleeing the area. Authorities believe Walker may have been struck during the incident after officers returned fire.

Investigators say Walker should be considered extremely dangerous and may still be armed with both a handgun and a rifle. Officials also stated he poses an active threat to law enforcement and the public.
Walker was last reportedly seen wearing:
• A navy graphic T-shirt
• Dark-colored shorts
• Black lace-up boots

Troopers say he has extensive tattoos and may be suffering from gunshot wounds.

A statewide Blue Alert remains active as authorities continue searching for him.

Anyone who spots Walker is urged not to make contact and to call 911 immediately.

The case remains under investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

05/11/2026

Dear Supportive Business Owners,

We at the Van Buren Police Department are seeking your assistance in our newest endeavor. We are collaborating with Hometown Publishing Company to earn funds through our local business owners. This collaboration is centered on a new critical drug education and prevention program, attempting to safeguard our community from the dangers of drugs and drug abuse.

We seek your partnership in this endeavor to help secure a better future for the youth and adults of our community. We will advertise your business with a one-time contribution that directly supports the Van Buren Police Department's new critical drug education and prevention program.

We are honored to work with you and your businesses to make a positive impact on our wonderful community.

Sincerely,

Sean Bradwell
Chief of Police
Van Buren Police Department

05/11/2026

04/03/2026

Van Buren Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation!!!!!

– Today, Van Burn received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengethen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.
“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”
“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like Van Buren that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”
Eligibility and Program Details
Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.

Participation Incentives
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available here.

About Van Buren
Van Buren earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. The community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms Van Buren’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.

02/24/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of two deputies in Christian County who were killed in the line of duty.

Their courage and dedication to protecting their community will never be forgotten. I ask that the community stand in prayer with their families, their department, and all those affected by this tragic loss.

Sincerely,
Chief Sean Bradwell

02/17/2026

Since the beginning of the year, the Van Buren Police Department has stayed focused on keeping the community safe. Here’s a quick look at our work so far: since January 1, we’ve made five warrant arrests for offenses ranging from dangerous dog incidents to possession of controlled substances, issued over 100 citations, and taken around 40 reports.

Despite a staffing shortage, our dedication to this community and its people remains strong. We’ll keep working around the clock to respond quickly to calls, and we’re truly thankful for the amazing support from the residents of this town.

01/23/2026

******Winter Storm Preparedness Update*******

As the winter storm approaches, I want to update you on the preparations made by your county officials. We have been working closely with Emergency Management, Fire Departments, the County Commission, city officials, and local businesses to ensure we are ready to respond.
Our top priority is ensuring that Fire, Law Enforcement, and Medical Services can reach those in need. We have coordinated with city officials and citizens with plows to ensure we can call them to make it to emergency locations.

**Warming Centers**

In the event of a power outage, several warming stations are available throughout the county in the event of a power outage Note: Except for the Sheriff’s Office, these locations will only open if power is lost.
• Grandin: Maintenance Building
• Eastwood: Eastwood Fire Dept.
• Ellsinore: FEMA Building, Nutrition Center, and Assembly of God
• Van Buren: Community Center, Carter County Courthouse Lobby
• 24-Hour Access: The Carter County Sheriff’s Office Lobby will remain open 24/7 throughout the storm for anyone needing warmth.

We are still adding locations to this list and will provide updates as they become available.

***Public Safety Reminders***

• Stay Off the Roads: Please do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Freezing temperatures make being stranded a life-threatening situation.
• Safety First: Even experienced drivers can be involved in accidents due to unpredictable conditions.

Your Sheriff’s Office remains available 24/7 if you need assistance.
Please enjoy this time with your families and stay safe.