On January 20, 2021 at approximately 5:05 am Parsons Police Officers were called to the 3100 block of Main for a report of a truck with an ATM tied to it.

When officers arrived, they found a 2003 Ford F350 pickup, that had an ATM chained to it near Labette Bank, 3129 Main. The truck had been stolen from Independence, Kansas on January 19, 2021. Two weapons were also reported to have been in the truck when it was stolen. An AR-15 and a Glock pistol. The AR-15 was recovered with the vehicle, but the Glock was not.

Benjamin Ryan Whitaker, white male, 140lbs, 5' 6" is a person of interest in the vehicle theft and the ATM theft. He is currently listed as a fugitive, as an escapee from Montgomery County, after being released on furlough by a Montgomery County Judge. He was being held in connection to a homicide investigation in Independence. He is currently wanted for an attempted murder in Coffeyville, KS. Parsons Police are looking for Whitaker for questioning, he is believed to be armed and dangerous. The ATM had an undisclosed amount of cash in the machine that was stolen. The machine was recovered in the parking lot.

The Parsons Police Department has received several tips about suspicious persons and circumstance, which Parsons Police Officers have followed up, contacted people and search structures. "We appreciate the community embracing 'See It, Hear It, Report It', "said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks.

Spinks said "We have reached out though social media to hopefully garner more eyes and ears to find the suspects involved and bring them to justice. If you have any information in this heinous act please call the police department and if you see Mr. Whitaker call 911 immediately."

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have been notified as well as the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) to assist in this case. Partnering with our fellow agencies allows us to cast a wide net to successfully solve cases like this.

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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