Interfering with first responders in Excelsior Springs after being told to keep back may now result in municipal charges under a new city ordinance.The Excelsior Springs City Council approved the ordinance during a recent meeting, creating a local offense for interfering with first responders. This mirrors Missouri state law but allows such cases to be handled in municipal court rather than through the state system.Excelsior Springs Police Captain Robert Warner explained the ordinance creates a local offense for interfering with police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders while they are lawfully performing their duties.A violation may occur only after an individual receives a verbal warning to stay back and then approaches within 20 feet of a first responder with the intent to interfere, threaten physical harm or engage in conduct serving no legitimate purpose.“The ordinance also makes clear it does not affe...