PRESS RELEASE

Domestic Aggravated Assault Involving a Firearm

Date: May 21, 2021

Contact: Sergeant Jason Ludwig

Phone: (620) 421-7060

Email: jludwig@parsonspd.com

Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10:45 am Parsons Police responded to the 2000 block of Grand Morgan regarding a report that William T. Phillips a 19-year-old, Black Male, Parsons City resident was holding a 6-month-old baby and was armed with a handgun. A caller reported that Phillips was sitting on the front porch of a residence displaying the handgun while holding onto the child.

Responding officers were able to de-escalate the situation. The child, aged 6 months, was safety removed from danger and taken back to the Mother. The child was un-injured.

Police located a handgun that was reported stolen out of Wichita. Phillips was taken into custody without incident by multiple officers. He was arrested and transported to the Parsons Police Department for Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Criminal Threats and Possession of Marijuana.

"This could have been a very volatile situation that could have had a tragic result day," said Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd, 'but, it ended with no one hurt and a baby put back in the arms of its Mother."

Chief Robert Spinks said, "this is the second domestic violence related aggravated assault to occur in Parsons in less than 12 hours. While these two incidents are not related, they highlight the problem of domestic violence that Parsons harbors. In this case a gun was involved, and a 6-month-old child was put at risk. As I have said earlier, domestic Violence prevention requires a community-wide effort to educate, prevent and intervene. While the police department is a partner in these efforts, we have to partner with other groups and individuals to bring a change to the culture of our community that domestic violence is wrong, that victims have a safety net to provide support to escape abusive relationships and that a swift arrest will follow those you attack spouses, loved ones or dating partners."

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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