On Sunday May 7, 2023, around 8:18 am, Parsons Police Officer Donald Joy was sent to the area of 35th and Briggs Ave for reported found property.

When Officer Joy arrived in the area, he found a pile of clothing and items on the porch of a residence and walked to the door to speak to someone about the found property report. Officer Joy quickly noticed that the door and frame had been broken and the person that was inside the house was one of Parsons' homeless residents. The pile of cloths that was located was piled up for collection. It was apparent to Officer Joy that he discovered a burglary in-progress.

Officer Joy detained Mathew Thomas Nibarger, 32 of Parsons, without incident. Nibarger attempted to lay claim to owning the house, but he is known to be homeless to officers that have been in contact with him. The homeowner verified that the house was burglarized and Niabarger was arrested for residential burglary. A search of Nibarger and his possessions reveal that he also had illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

A witness notified officers about a makeshift shelter that Niabarger was seen at in Circle Park. The shelter had more of Niabarger's possessions including a suitcase that was collected for safekeeping. Niabarger was transported to the Parsons Police Department and a request was sent to the Labette County Attorney's Office for charges of Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia. Niabarger has a history of burglary and according to the Kansas Department of Corrections he has convictions for 2 burglary cases in 2013 as well as an aggravated burglary conviction. He also has a conviction for attempted aggravated battery from a 2018 arrest, all from Labette County.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "See It, Hear It, Report It was the key to this successful arrest. Thankfully we have citizens who embrace that philosophy and call when they see something suspicious. This partnership with the community is how we can make a difference. Good observation skills by Officer Joy to see that this was not just a normal report call and that something was out of place. This was a great effort all around and to everyone involved. Career criminals will continue to victimize good citizens no matter how hard we try to stop it."

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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