PRESS RELEASE

Felon Arrested After Brief Standoff in Parsons

For Immediate Release

Date: February 1, 2024

Contact: Lieutenant Kyle Wiford

Phone: (620) 421-7060

Email: kwiford@parsonspd.com

Officers from Parsons (KS) Police Department successfully apprehended Parsons resident, Jason Purdy, 51 years of age, a multi-time convicted felon, at Dollar Tree, 2105 Main St. Purdy was wanted for multiple warrants through Labette County District Court. When confronted by police officers, Purdy barricaded himself inside a store bathroom, leading to a brief standoff that ultimately resulted in his arrest.

On February 1, 2024, at approximately 1240 p.m., Detective Brice Dickens and Sergeant Charles Brown were attempting to apprehend Purdy on the active arrest warrants, after reports of him being at a particular residence in town. During their investigation, they developed information that Purdy was currently at the Dollar Tree Store in Parsons. Upon arrival, officers located Purdy inside the business.

Purdy barricaded himself by locking himself inside a store restroom, prompting law enforcement to initiate a careful and strategic operation to apprehend him. Purdy initially stated that he was armed with a knife. The situation unfolded rapidly, with Cpl. Christian Smith and Off. Donald Joy arriving and securing the area and coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of all bystanders and store employees.

After a short negotiation process and obtaining keys from the manager, officers successfully apprehended Purdy without incident and without injury to Purdy, officers, or persons in the store. Subsequent investigation revealed that Purdy was in possession of controlled substances at the time of his arrest, adding to the list of charges he now faces. Purdy also attempted to hide evidence, which officers located in the restroom. Purdy later admitted to destroying evidence, prior to officers making entry into the restroom. Thankfully, Purdy was not actually in possession of a weapon at the time of his arrest, as he had alluded to.

"Jason Purdy is no stranger to the criminal justice system, with a history of multiple convictions, including Robbery, Burglary, and Possession of Controlled Substances. The successful resolution of this incident highlights the dedication and professionalism of our local law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the community. I commend the swift and efficient response of our law enforcement officers in bringing this situation to a peaceful resolution. Their commitment to public safety is unwavering," said Lt. Kyle Wiford, Parsons Patrol Lieutenant.

Purdy is currently in custody and awaiting formal charges through the Labette County Attorney's Office for new charges of two counts of Possession of Controlled Substances for two (2) different identified substances, Marijuana and a baggie of Hydrocodone pills; Felony Interference with Law Enforcement (Disobey Lawful Order); Interference with Law Enforcement (Destruction of Evidence); and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Purdy was also in possession of a third substance, which is being sent the KBI Crime Lab for identification.

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: tips@parsonspd.com .