On November 16, 2021, around 9:40 am, a resident called to report their lock had been cut off of their storage shed in the 2500 block of Grand Ave.

Parsons Police Sergeant Waylon Kepley responded and took the initial report. Sgt. Kepley canvassed the area for any possible suspects or evidence. At approximately 10:50 am, the resident called and reported that there were two persons getting into the shed at that time. The suspects split up and fled from the area while officers were enroute. When officers arrived in the area the victim gave a description of the two white males seen at the shed. It was reported that one was in the shed and one was watching as a lookout. Officers searched the area and Officer Russel Parsons located a possible suspect matching the description of one of the males in the 100 Block of South 27th St. This male fled on foot from Officer Parsons but was quickly located and detained at 25th and Belmont Ave. by Sgt. Kepley. This person was identified as Lazarus Thomas Hinman, 20 years of age of Parsons. Hinman was positively identified by witnesses as the suspect that had been in the shed attempting to take property. The second male has not yet been located, but has been identified as Christopher Harold Hilton, 36 years of age of Parsons. Hilton is being sought in connection with this case.

Hilton and Hinman both, are on bond for pending cases in Labette County District Court. Hilton is also on probation through Neosho County and was recently arrested on October 11, 2021, for Burglary at the Townsman Storage Units at 1830 S US 59 Hwy by the Parsons Police Department. The Court Services Department has been notified of Hilton and Hinman's newest offense.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "this is getting far too common in our community where suspects are arrested for crimes and turned loose to reoffend time after time. I know it is frustrating to the citizens and rest assure that it is equally as frustrating to the officers. Felony level crimes and repeat misdemeanors need to be held accountable for their actions for longer than it takes to receive a bond. I don't have the answers for this issue that plagues our community and ultimately it is up to the community let our courts and legislators know that we need a higher level of accountability for repeat offenders. There have been frequent posts on social media about specific people creeping though alleyways throughout town and Mr. Hinman was one of the ones identified. It took 'See It, Hear It, Report It' to make the arrest happen and for the action of our citizens making the call, I truly appreciate it."

Charges are being sought against Hinman for Burglary, Attempted Theft, Criminal Damage to Property and Interference with Law Enforcement, and against Hilton for Burglary, Attempted Theft and Criminal Damage to Property.

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.

# # # # #