Parsons Officers Battered during Felony Warrant Service

On January 27, 2023 at approximately 4 am, K-9 Officer Christian Smith and Officer Luke Schibi were on patrol and observed Melissa Sue Kuffler, 52 years old of Parsons, standing outside of a residence in the 3100 block of Main Street. Officers knew Kuffler had multiple warrants for her arrest through the Labette County District Court. Officers Smith and Schibi stopped to make contact with Kuffler and make the arrest on the valid arrest warrants.

Kuffler fled into a residence after being confronted by the officers. Officers pursued Kuffler and were able to take her into custody. During the arrest, Kuffler punched and spat on the two officers. While being processed into the jail, Kuffler continued her behavior and struck another officer during the processing phase.

Kuffler was arrested on a Felony Aggravated Failure to Appear and a Failure to Appear warrant. As well as new charges of Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, and three counts of Felony Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

Patrol Lieutenant Kyle Wiford said, "I am glad that our officers were able to take Kuffler into custody for her outstanding warrants. I am very displeased with the behavior, disrespect and combative nature Kuffler displayed towards our officers. The warrants for her arrest for were failure to appear on two cases, which is two failures on her part, not on the part of our officers. I hope that the courts revoke her bonds on all her pending case since the current arrest and charges would be a violation of any prior release conditions she had promised to abide by. If she cannot respect the courts to appear for court and cannot control her combativeness when being arrested for her failure to appear, then the Labette County Jail is a safe and secure location for her to stay."

Dennis Dodd, Deputy Chief of Police said, "this is an example of just good proactive policing by tenacious and self-motivated officers cleaning up the city streets in the dark of the night."

"This is another great example of Parsons Police Officers proactively trying to get wanted persons and criminal off the streets of Parsons, even while many of us are at home and asleep. Quality policing is 24/7 and that is what our officers strive for on a daily basis," said Chief Robert Spinks. "It reminds me of the old TV police series of the 1970's catchphrase, Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

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.

Melissa Sue Kuffler, age 52 of Parsons