In the early morning hours of August 1st, Parsons Police K9 Officer Devin Wisdom conducted a traffic stop in the 2900 block of Main.

Officer Connor Eichinger arrived and took over the traffic stop while Officer Wisdom deployed K9 Karim for an open-air sniff on the vehicle. Karim gave an indication of the odor of illegal narcotics. Officers searched the vehicle and found methamphetamine and paraphernalia in the vehicle. The driver, William Earl Troester Jr., 44, of Parsons, was arrested in connection with the narcotics and paraphernalia.

This will be Troester's second arrest in connections with narcotics in 8 days. On July 24th the Parsons Police released information on the arrest of William Troester for possession and distribution of narcotics. He was charged and seen by a Labette County Judge and given a $25,000 cash surety bond.

The Parsons Police Department will again be requesting the following charges for Troester; Possession of a Stimulant, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference with Law Enforcement (Concealing Evidence), and Failure to Stop.

As a part of the ongoing patrol activities in the early morning hours, Officer Connor Eichinger conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Appleton on a GMC Yukon. During the stop Officer Wisdom witnessed the passenger, Staci Lee Hayes, in the vehicle concealing a bag with a white crystalline substance in it. When Officer Wisdom ordered Staci out of the vehicle the driver, James Darwin Hayes, put it in gear and fled from the officers. Officers pursued the vehicle to the 2400 block of Appleton. During the pursuit officers witnessed the occupants throwing items out of the vehicle.

Once James pulled the vehicle over, he and Staci were arrested. Officers were able to locate the items that were thrown out of the vehicle. They recovered several bags with powdery substances and more with crystalline substances in them, as well as a pistol. A search of the vehicle yielded over $4,500 in cash. Officers were also able to seize over 44 grams of narcotics during the stop.

On this case Parsons Police are asking the Labette County Attorney's Office for the following charges for Stacie Hayes; Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Criminal use of a Weapon, Distribution of Certain Stimulants, Interference with Law Enforcement (Concealing Evidence), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Certain Stimulants, and Littering. Charges requested for James Hayes are as follows; Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Criminal use of a Weapon, Distribution of Certain Stimulants, Interference with Law Enforcement (Concealing Evidence), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Certain Stimulants, Littering, Reckless Driving, Driving While Suspended, and Speeding.

Parsons Patrol Lieutenant Kyle Wiford stated, "I commend our officers for their proactive approach to law enforcement. These arrests highlight the dedication of our team in apprehending drug dealers and ensuring they face extended periods of incarceration. Such proactive actions are possible when our department is adequately staffed, allowing officers to focus on community safety rather than continuous training."

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "This night is a testament to the tenacity of offices who truly want to effect change in the community they serve. These two officers are hard chargers knowing who the criminal element in Parsons is. It amazes me how a man that was just arrested and 8 days later is arrested again, and both times for felonies. It is important for the community to understand that a $25,000 cash surety bond is usually only 10% of the amount to get out of jail. So, it may seem like a large sum of money to some but to drug dealers that are handling tens of thousands of dollars in a week's time, that is not much of a burden to come up with. As Mr. Troester has made apparent, he will not stop committing felonies. How many chances does one person need before being held accountable for his actions. Low bond only ensures one thing, that there will always be a need for more and more officers to continue to make these arrests. It is almost like using bubble gum to stop the flow of water out of a broken dam. No matter how much bubble gum is used the dam is still broken." 

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 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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