Parsons Police Department

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Commander Kyle Wiford

Email:    kwiford@parsonspd.com

Phone:   620-421-7060

 

Felony Arrest Made for Animal Cruelty in Parsons

 

On March 3, 2021 at approximately 8:58 am, the Parsons Police Department received a call from a citizen that a dog had been shot in the 1400 block of South 12th Street. The witness stated that the individual that shot the dog, later identified as Jordan Thompson (28) of Parsons, immediately left in a white SUV.

Officers arrived in the area and met with witnesses to the incident. Thompson was identified as the alleged shooter of the dog, "Zues" a 4-year-old Miniature Schnauzer. Officers were able to collect video surveillance of the incident, which showed that the Mini-Schnauzer made no advancement on Thompson to provoke being shot. Thompson appeared to go to a nearby vehicle after seeing the dog, retrieves a pistol and then stalks his way over to Zues the dog. Thompson takes careful and deliberate aim and fires a shot striking the animal in the hip and leg area. The dog then ran injured and bleeding to the southwest.

Sgt. Waylon Kepley was able to track the Zues's blood trail and located the wounded Schnauzer laying in a front yard in the 1300 block of Southern Avenue near its residence. The dog was still alive but was suffering from shock. Officers requested the animal control vehicle come to take the Miniature Schnauzer to the Parsons Animal Hospital for emergency care.

The Parsons Animal Hospital contracts with the City for animal impoundment and emergency care of animals that officer locate in the city.

At approximately 10:20 am, A/Commander Kyle Wiford located Thompson at his place of employment. Thompson was contacted and was duly advised of his Miranda Rights. Thompson stated he had shot the dog because the dog bared its teeth at him. Thompson did corroborate that the animal had not attacked him, but simply bared its teeth.

Thompson stated that he had contacted the Parsons Police numerous times about this animal and had received no assistance with the matter. A check of police records was conducted and showed no calls made by Thompson, when searched by his name, phone number or address regarding a roaming Schnauzer. During the records search one call was located in 2019, regarding a loose Labrador.

Thompson was taken into custody for felony cruelty to animals and a misdemeanor count of criminal discharge of a firearm in city limits. Charges will be presented to the Labette County Attorney's Office for review and charging. The firearm used in the incident was collected as well as a second firearm Thompson had on his person at the time of his arrest.

Cruelty to animals in this situation is a felony with a maximum penalty of up to one-year in prison with a maximum fine of up to $5,000.

The owner's of Zues have been contacted and the dog at loose issue has also been addressed. They took responsibility and were cooperative during the investigation.

According to Wiford, "There was probable cause to arrest Thompson based on the witnesses, video evidence, Thompson's statements and the wounds to the victim dog. I shake my head with this kind of an inhumane act being committed by a human."

"We hope these charges send a clear message to anyone who needs to hear it - this sort of conduct isn't just wrong, it's criminal," said Kepley.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "In policing we are confronted by a host of violent, egregious and inhumane acts. Pets are to receive guardianship and are the most vulnerable to abuse and cruelty. I was flabbergasted today when I heard about not just the illegal discharge of a handgun in the city limits by an irresponsible individual. I was shocked once I heard about the details of the shooting and how "Zues" a small dog was pursued by the Suspect and then shot with clear and precise intent."

"Who would literally stalk and shoot "Zues," a small 4-year-old dog?" said Spinks.

"I talked with Veterinarian Eva Dudek this afternoon," said Spinks, "she had performed stabilizing surgery on the Zues's hip and leg. The pooch had lost considerable blood, but Officers were able to transport the animal quickly to the Parsons Pet Hospital where surgery to stabilize the animal was done."

According to Dudek, the Zues is being transferred to Kansas State University where it is scheduled for extensive surgery in the hopes that its hind leg can be saved. She estimates that surgery could easily cost the family $4,000.

"I'm hoping that we can help the family establish a Go Fund Me Account to assist them with cost of surgery," said Dudek. "Zues was a young and fortunately strong dog that we hope can be saved from such a vile and heartless attack."

 

4-year-old "Zues" a Miniature Schnauzer found after being shot in Parsons is rescued.