Police Seek Leads on Cemetery Vandal

On Monday November 19, 2018 Parsons Police were called to file a report of vandalism at Oakwood Cemetery 300 South Leawood. Near the intersection of 7th and Laurel section 35. It was discovered that several grave marker caps had been damaged by the vandals. It appears that someone used cement flower pots to create the damage. Eight flower pots were destroyed, and two headstones were damaged as well. There were four grave sites that had debris from having flower pots broken on them. The flower pots, that are normally sat upon the tops of grave stones, were scattered throughout the immediate area. The damage to the flower pots and grave stones seems to be a random act of destruction and not aimed at any one person(s), family, or religious denomination.

Police suspect that the incident took place between November 16th at 1pm and November 18th at 2:48 pm. According to the Cemetery Supervisor it appears that flowers in other parts were out of place as well, but it could not be confirmed that it was from the same incident.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said "We need the communities help to find the culprit of this crime. It is time that we start holding the individual's responsible for acts of this nature, accountable for their actions." Official cost of damages was unavailable at the time the report was filed. "Acts like this will no longer be tolerated in our city" according to Spinks.

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 (620) 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at (620) 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com