In-Progress Parsons Business Burglary Nets Two Arrests

Date:           February 4, 2022

Contact:      Sergeant Jason Ludwig

Phone:        (620) 421-7060

Email:          jludwig@parsonspd.com

An early morning arriving clerk at Bordertown (R&P's Gas Station) at 2901 Main Street in Parsons, saw two subjects inside the closed business. The employee quickly called 911 and Parsons Police Cpl Kyle Shields and K-9 Karim were the first to arrive.

Cpl Shields and K9 Karim contained two males in the business until Sgt Brice Dickens and Officers Christian Smith and Michael Thompson arrived.

The two male suspects were taken into custody without incident inside the store. Both suspects were 15-year-old juveniles who are Parsons residents. One of the suspects was already on juvenile probation in Neosho County.

The point of entry was the business' front door.

One of the suspects had been armed with a realistic looking handgun that was a BB gun. The suspect put the weapon down when officers entered the building and confronted the suspects.

"Here's an incident that could have easily gone from bad to worse if that juvenile had turned or pointed that very realistic BB gun in the direction of the officers," said Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd. "We've seen several incidents around the country where a police officer is confronted by a realistic BB or Air Soft pellet gun but a suspect, and the result has been an officer using deadly force. In this day and age, many BB and Air Soft weapons are not distinguishable from a regular firearm until they are inspected. Fortunately, today, the suspect put his weapon down, but that still makes it a crime to be armed."

Suspect #1 was arrested and will have charges requested for: Non-Residential Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, Theft and Criminal Carrying of a Weapon. All are felonies except for the misdemeanor weapons charge.

Suspect #2 was arrested and will have charges requested for the felony crimes of: Non-Residential Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, and Theft.

Recovered from the scene and in the possession of the suspects was property and cash valued at $2,700. "There was a lot of tobacco and vaping products recovered from the suspects and returned to the business," said Parsons Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd." This burglary did not appear to be related to any previous break-ins."

According to Cpl Shields, "the response by the officers on shift was quick and well organized which helped to ensure that even with the snow and ice conditions, no one was hurt or injured either in a response or during the process of taking the suspects into custody. K-9 Karim as always was extremely helpful just with his presence at the scene."

Both suspects were transferred to the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Girard on their felony charges.

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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