On February 17, 2023, Officer Rory Johnson made a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Washington on a tan Chevy Silverado. Officer Johnson made contact with the driver and a passenger and during the contact was able to see illegal substances in the vehicle. Officers removed the occupants and searched for the vehicle.  

                Inside of the vehicle Officers found a stolen Bushmaster AR-15 rifle. The weapon was reported stolen to the Parsons Police Department in August of 2022 from a burglary. It was also discovered that the driver, John E Hall-Kennedy, was a felon and could not legally possess a firearm. Officers discovered drug paraphernalia and illegal substances that field-tested presumptive positive for Methamphetamine. John was arrested at the scene with his passenger Stacie Michelle Brooks.

                The vehicle that John was driving was also suspected of being involved in the theft case of an enclosed trailer from a residence in Parsons. The vehicle was collected as evidence as well as the stolen weapon and narcotics that was located.

                Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "this is another great example of a traffic stop leading to a good arrest. In one traffic stop we were able to gain leads on a felony theft case, a felony burglary case and make a solid arrest for possession of paraphernalia and methamphetamines as well as a case for felon in possession of a firearm. Officer Johnson is a proactive officer and I appreciate his dedication to the citizens of Parsons by removing criminals from the street."

                John and Stacie were taken to the Parsons Police Department and later transported to the Labette County Sheriff's Department. The Parsons Police Department is requesting the following charges for John, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Driving While Suspended, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal use of Weapons and several traffic infractions. The following charges are being requested for Stacie, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal use of Weapons and a traffic infraction.

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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