On Sunday May 7, 2023, in the early morning hours Parsons Police were notified about a vehicle burglary that took place around Savannah Park Apartments at 211 Reinhart Drive. Officers found several vehicles that appeared to have been broken into as well. The caller that reported the incident stated that the suspect was a female wearing a black skirt and carrying a white bag.

Officers canvassed the surrounding neighborhood and found evidence that the suspect may still be close by. In the 100 block of Kay Lane while looking for the suspect Sergeant Waylon Kepley located a person matching the description. The individual fled on foot and was quickly taken into custody. The suspect was positively identified by witnesses and a nearby full bag containing items from a burglarized vehicle was also located. The bag also matched the description as being carried by the suspect.

Amanda Dawn Lockard, 41 of Parsons, was arrested and transported to the Parsons Police Department without incident. Lockard has an extensive criminal record according to the Kansas Department of Corrections website. She has 9 convictions for vehicle burglary from a 2020 case in Labette County. In this incident there has been evidence to link her actions to 3 vehicle burglaries.

According to Parsons Police Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd, "vehicle burglaries have been rare this year. Patrol did a great job tracking and running the suspect to ground resulting in a quick arrest."

The Parsons Police Department has sent a request to the Labette County Attorney's Office to charge Amber Lockard with three counts of Vehicle Burglary, three counts of Theft and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement.   

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "this case is a grand slam for the Parsons Police Department. Great policework brought another repeat offender to stand for their continued criminal actions. It is up to the judicial system to hold this person and others like her accountable for their continued criminal mischief. I hope that we can see this as an opportunity remove a career criminal with no ambition to change their ways from our community."

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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