On June 2, 2022, Parsons Police Officers were called to the 400 block of North 22nd for a report of a man with a shotgun threatening people. While officers were responding the suspect left in a white Chevy Escalade with no tag. Officer Shyanne Dunn spotted the vehicle and followed it until it finally stopped in the alley between Stevens and Dirr in the 2400 block.

Officer Dunn gave verbal commands to the driver to get out. Corporal Ryan Shirk and Officer Dunn was able to take Anthony Blankenship, 25 years old of Parsons, into custody without further incident. Anthony tossed the reported weapon out of the vehicle just before stopping and giving up fleeing from the officers. Officer Dunn collected a modified 12guage pump shotgun that was loaded.

The Parsons Police is requesting that Anthony to be charged with the following:  Aggravated Assault, Defacing Identification Marks of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, No Valid Driver's License, No Tag, and No Proof of Insurance. This request is being sent to the Labette County Attorney's Office for review and charging.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I am thankful that this situation was ended without loss of life. With everything that is going on in the U.S. recently any situation that ends without further violence or unnecessary loss of life is a blessing. I want to thank the officers for their speedy response and their efforts. I can only hope that we find a way to keep this felon from lashing out again. It is up to the court system from this point."

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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