On January 10, 2020 at approximately 3:45 am a citizen came to the Parsons Police Department to report a Vehicle Burglary that they had witnessed and been a victim of. It was reported that the witness was able to follow the suspects and gather a vehicle description and a tag number for the vehicle. Officers, using that information, were able to discover that it was on a stolen 2011 Toyota Camry from Independence, KS.

Sergeant Brice Dickens responded to the area of the initial report on Appleton and continued his search for the Camry and the suspects. Sergeant Dickens went to Mendota Creek Apartments in his search and found the stolen Camry. Sergeant Dickens found two individuals in the stolen vehicle and was able to detain the driver as the other individual took off on foot. It was reported to Sergeant Dickens that the person who fled was armed with a handgun.

Officers responded to the area to search for the man that had since been identified as Nathan Wiebelhaus. Nathan, 25 of Independence, KS, was located on 23rd Street and arrested. The weapon that was reported was found during a search of the Toyota Camry along with drugs and paraphernalia. The weapon was a semi-automatic .380 pistol.

The driver, Joseph Ruttgen 18 of Parsons, along with Nathan were arrested and transported to the Parsons Police Department. Charges have been sent to the Labette County Attorney's Office for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Stolen Property, Interference with Law Enforcement, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I can not express my extreme appreciation of the work these officers shown. Being vigilant and tenacious at their jobs is what brought these criminals to justice. The helping hands of the citizens and their watchful eyes made their jobs successful and ended in the apprehension of two criminals. The department is proud of these officers and their dedication to duty."

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.