On November 19. 2021, Parsons Police Detective Kyle Wiford was conducting follow up investigations, on a burglary case in which Lazarus Hinman was arrested, and Christopher Hilton was a suspect, in the 1600 block of Gabriel in Parsons KS.

When Det. Wiford arrived at the house he was met by two Labette County Deputies who were also looking for Hilton in connection with another burglary case. The officers waited for the landlord to arrive when they heard a crash in the garage. The landlord of the house said that no one was supposed to be in the garage.

At first look the on-scene officers thought there was a black male and female in the garage but later discovered it was Christopher Harold Hilton, 36 of Parsons, who had painted his face black in attempt to conceal his identity.

Hilton was arrested without incident by Det. Wiford on the Neosho County Warrant and was also arrested in connection for the November 16th Burglary. The Parsons Police Department is requesting the charges of Burglary, Theft, Criminal Damage to Property for Hilton. Charges have already been filed on counterpart Lazarus Hinman who was arrested on the 16th.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said "once again my expectation has been surpassed by the dedication to duty that Det. Wiford and his shift have displayed in finishing this investigation with a successful arrest on a habitual offender. Not all investigations can end with an arrest for a host of reasons, but Det. Wiford was able to gain information and collaborate with other agencies to end this case. Now it is up to the judges and prosecutors to complete the judicial process and keep these chronic habitual offenders in jail to reform this behavior. Mr. Hilton was also one of the more popular individuals popping up on people's home security systems lurking around in alleys at night. It is important that citizens understand where it's not illegal to be in an alley or seemingly lurking around it is still important to call the police and let us know. We may not always be able to make an arrest since there may not have been an actual crime committed, but we can stop and talk to them to properly identify them in the case a crime is discovered later."

Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd said "our officers understand citizens frustrations when they call about suspicious activity, and we don't make an arrest. We know what is going on but have to wait until there is a crime committed to make a successful arrest and gain a successful prosecution. We have a duty to uphold the law, but also have a duty to make good choices about our arrests to avoid negative results. I want citizens to know we are here to help at all times."

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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