Police Chase Ends in Felony Arrest

                On April 20th around 5:54pm Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a reckless driver on 32nd Street. A description of a gold Toyota Camry and the tag number was given to officers. Sergeant Tony Adamson was able to locate and stop the vehicle in the 1400 block of South 25th Street.

                Dispatch advised Sgt. Adamson that the registered owner, Kristen Mattox-Graham, had an active Felony Warrant out of Newton County, Missouri. Sgt. Adamson spoke to Kristen, who was driving, and explained that warrant and asked her to exit the vehicle. Kristen immediately fled from the area in the vehicle speeding away from Sgt. Adamson.

                Sergeant Waylon Kepley and Sgt. Adamson pursued Kristen out of the city and into rural Labette County where Labette County Deputies joined the pursuit of Kristen. Kristen reached speeds in excess of 100mph during the pursuit that traveled onto gravel roads all of the way out to 17000 Rd before coming back into Parsons on US 59 eventually ending in the 2400 block of Corning.

                Kristen was arrested without further incident and taken to the Parsons Police Department Lockup. A search of the vehicle discovered THC Edibles, a THC Vape Pen, a baggie of marijuana and well as rolled marijuana and paraphernalia.

                The Parsons Police Department is requesting the Labette County Attorney's Office to file the following charges: Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Interference with Law Enforcement, Reckless Driving, Speeding, No Insurance, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Opiates, and other traffic offenses. She is also being held on a felony warrant out of Newton County, MO for Possession of a Controlled Substance.  

                Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I am very grateful that this incident did not end in a deadly crash. Fleeing from law enforcement is a very good way to end up killing yourself or someone else. A good job to Sgt. Adamson for being a vigilant officer and being proactive in the hunt for a reckless driver. On April 20th or 4/20 some people use marijuana in a pseudo holiday celebration of the drug. Yesterday, the Parsons Police along with other agencies in the state partook in the 4/20 enforcement campaign sponsored by the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enforce drug related driving violations. This case right here is why these campaigns are important. It is to keep drivers safe on the road. I can only hope that this individual learns a valuable lesson from her actions today."

                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.

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