On August 16, 2019 at approximately 0416 hours Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to Mendota Creek Apartments in the 1400 series for a report of a possible hostage situation where a woman was being held at gun point.

Parsons Police Officer Ryan Shirk and Parsons Police Corporal Cheryl Siu arrived on scene and went to the reported apartment where multiple individuals exited. When ordered to show officers their hands one individual fled on foot running toward a nearby tree line. Officer Shirk gave chase. The individual made it inside of the tree line before complying with the officer's command to come out. Garyl Lamar Allen, male age 31 of Chanute Kansas, was arrested in connection to the reported crime. The investigation revealed that Allen dropped a black semi-automatic pistol in the tree line when he was apprehended. The victim also reported to police that while being held against her will her hair was burnt with a propane torch. A torch was located at the apartment as well.

Consent to search a vehicle that Allen was suspected to have been in was given and the search was conducted. In the vehicle a stolen Smith and Wesson semi-automatic gun was located along with suspected cocaine. The gun was stolen out of Wichita Kansas. The weight of the narcotics will be officially weighed by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Lab. Charges will be filed against Allen for Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery, Criminal Damage to Property, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "active situations are dynamic and can easily spin out of control. Everyone involved in this situation is fortunate that there were no injuries." Spinks continued, "this is a family-oriented apartment complex, and we continue to seek information on criminal activity in this neighborhood."

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.

#####