"The amount of support that the Parsons Police Department has received over the weekend is astonishing and in fact humbling," according to Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks. We have received over 1,000 social media responses in support of our officer. I have been a part of a lot of communities, but Parsons's citizens are among some of the finest. We have had several citizens call to pledge money to the reward fund for the criminal responsible for the targeted attack on one of our officers and their family."

"This was not just the killing of a dog. It was a brutal mutilation of a beloved pet and attempted threat to one of our officers. 'Ranger' the puppy was a pet and a family member. We are thanking the community for their comforting thoughts and prayers," finished Spinks.

The Parsons Police Department is accepting donations for the reward fund to bring 'Rangers' killer to justice. You can bring money to the police department front counter at 217 N Central or take checks to the Parsons Municipal Building Water Department at 112 S 17th Street. Checks need to be made out to the City of Parsons-reward fund. The police department will make a new wanted poster with an updated amount in the near future. We have $3,000.00 pledged to help bring this criminal to justice.

It is important for us to keep in mind that according to a publication put out by the U.S. Department of Justice, Animal Cruelty is a Gateway Crime. Animal abuse and cruelty are serious and are often precursors to other crimes such as assault, domestic violence, and homicide. According to national data an animal abuser is also likely to share his abuse with his family, it is likely that a child, partner, or other resident is also being hurt or threatened. The FBI has recognized the high incidents of repeated animal abuse to also be connected with most violent offenders including serial killers, serial rapist, and sexual homicide perpetrators. We hope to stop any future criminal activity before it evolves into a more deadly crime. For more information on animal cruelty as a gateway crime please download this pdf https://www.sheriffs.org/publications/e071818886AnimalCruelty_v10_508.pdf or visit https://www.sheriffs.org/animalcrueltygateway

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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