Domestic Turn Chase Leads to Drug Arrest

On February 3, 2020 at approximately 9:47 am Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to a Domestic Disturbance in the 1100 block of Crawford in Parsons. When officers arrived in the area they met with the female victim and she told officers that she escaped her home and called from a neighbor's house.

The suspect, Zachary Swafford, 25 of Parsons, was spotted getting into a green Saturn Ion and fled the area going South on 11th to Main Street and then East on Main at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued Swafford and he finally stopped in the 600 block of Main. Swafford was taken into custody without further incident. A search of Swafford's vehicle produced over a pound of packaged marijuana which was seized. The marijuana was individually packaged for sale. Cash and scales were also seized during the search.

Parsons Police are requesting Swafford be charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Sale and Distribution of Marijuana, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, and a list of traffic violations relating to the pursuit. Swafford is being held until he is seen by a Labette County Judge.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I am proud of the officers that were involved in this situation. This kind of dynamic situation where there is a domestic battery with a drug dealer involved can turn deadly very quickly. Studies have shown that one of the most dangerous calls for an officer is a domestic case due to the emotionally charged parties involved. I am thankful this situation was resolved quickly and without further complications. I also want to pat the backs of the officers that looked beyond the stop to find the illegal drugs that were seized. This is one more drug dealer that will get the opportunity to utilize our judicial system to the fullest."

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.