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Michael
Gunn granted continuance in assault case
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by Ivan
Foley
Landmark editor
A former Platte County counselor who once
publicly entertained thoughts of running for county auditor
has been granted a continuance in the case against him
in Kansas City Municipal Court.
R. Michael Gunn, 60, asked for and was
granted time for his legal counsel to do discovery on
the charges of assault and resisting a police officer.
The continuance was granted on Monday, and a new court
date has been set for May 15. Gunn is being represented
by John O'Connor.
Gunn was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 1
at his office at Gunn, Shank & Stover, Kansas City
in Platte County. He is accused of assaulting a female
process server who was attempting to serve him papers
in a civil case. Gunn is also charged with resisting police
who were called to the scene.
Also arrested during the incident was
fellow attorney Philip O. Willoughby, Jr., 44, who allegedly
attempted to intervene by trying to place his body between
Gunn and the police officer. The police officer said Willoughby
"repeatedly threatened to sue me" and was waving
his arms in the air.
Gunn, who for several years served as
Platte County's legal counsel on planning and zoning issues,
was sprayed with mace three times during the course of
the arrest, according to the police report. The report
indicates the arrest was captured on the patrol vehicle's
video/audio system.
Willoughby faces a municipal charge of
obstructing an officer. He is being represented by Roger
Potter. Willoughby's case has also been continued until
May 15.
Gunn posted $500 bond on each of his charges
and Willoughby posted $500 bond on his charge. Each charge
carries a maximum penalty of $500 fine and 180 days in
jail, said Lowell Gard, assistant city prosecutor for
Kansas City.
Gard said he fully expects all parties
to be ready by the May 15 court date.
"That should give them enough time
to complete discovery and be ready for a trial,"
Gard told The Landmark this week.
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