On February 16, 2021 approximately 4:40 pm, Parsons Police assisted in the arrest of a wanted man in Erie Kansas. Benjamin Leroy Queen 37, of Oswego, was arrested in Erie by law enforcement after being identified as a person of interest in the February 15th Dollar General Robbery.

Parsons detectives and officers have been following up on various leads and information that they have received in response to the robbery. During the investigation officers found a vehicle that was near the scene and identified as a possible getaway vehicle due to un-name circumstances. More follow up on the vehicle was conducted and through the course of the day a vehicle matching the description was witnessed leaving the Parsons City limits north on Highway 59 at approximately 4:25 pm.

Detectives notified Erie Police about the circumstances surrounding the vehicle and its direction of travel. When the vehicle was located in Erie by police a traffic infraction was witnessed, and the vehicle was pulled over. Parsons Detective Kyle Wiford was in the area trying to closer identify the subject driving and was able to assist Erie Police with the stop. Queen was identified and arrested during the stop on multiple Warrants from other jurisdictions and driver's license violations in Erie.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I am hopeful that more evidence will surface to bring this case to a close. The more information and tips we gather only ensure a speedy end to this series of robberies."

Parsons Police are not naming Queen as a suspect only a person of interest until more follow-up and investigation can occur. According to a February 2020 article in the Parsons Sun, Queen was arrested and charged in Labette County Court for the Aggravated Robbery of Casey's General Store in Oswego KS.

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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