"Routine" Traffic Stops Lead to Arrests

In the less than seven days the Parsons Police Department has made at least two traffic stops that lead to significant felony level charges. With the Help of K-9 Karim and his handler Corporal Kyle Shields close to 30 grams of Methamphetamines, Marijuana and paraphernalia have been seized in connection with drug activity during traffic stops.

On November 30, 2021, around 1:19 am Parsons Police Sergeant Brice Dickens made a traffic stop on a 1997 Chevy Blazer in the 2100 block of Crawford. During the traffic stop K-9 Karim indicated on the vehicle leading to a search. The search of the vehicle led to the discovery of illegal narcotics on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The passenger initially gave officers a false name in hope of not being identified, but there was documentation with her identity on it in the vehicle along with a white crystal-like substance, prescription pills, drug paraphernalia, and suspected marijuana.

Sara Jean Alderman, 30 years old of Parsons, was arrested on 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and Sale/Distribution of Certain Stimulants. Sara was arrested by Sergeant Dickens without incident and transported to the Parsons Police Department.

Then on December 4, 2021, around 9:26 pm Sergeant Dickens again made a traffic stop leading to an arrest. This time he stopped a 2011 Ford Edge in the 1500 block of Crawford. Officer Christian Smith assisted Sergeant Dickens on the stop with a felony arrest for a Probation Violation on Emari Shauheem Taylor, 24 of Parsons, who was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the stop.

Corporal Shields deployed K-9 Officer Karim during the stop, and Karim gave a positive indication on this vehicle as well. The search of the vehicle revealed to officers' syringes, one of them was "loaded" with a clear liquid. Additionally, they located suspected marijuana, a plastic baggie with a white crystal-like substance and a digital scale, were also seized.

Officers arrested Trinity Dawn Pratt, 45 of Parsons, and Morgan Leigh Wilkins, 27 of Parsons, along with Emari Taylor. Parsons Police are requesting charges by the Labette County Attorney's Office for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Sale/Distribution of Certain Stimulants on all three Individuals arrested. However, Pratt has the added charge of Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Institution after a female officer found her concealing two baggies with a white crystal-like substance in her person during the book-in process. She is also being charged with No Liability Insurance and Expired Vehicle Tag.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I could not be more pleased with the efforts of Sergeant Dickens and his shift for being proactive with their efforts in stopping drug activity. We absolutely love Karim at the department and think he is doing a wonderful job. I truly believe that this is just the beginning for Karim as I know he will continue to provide top notch arrests for our community."

"We are going to continue to fight against the dealing of death in our community. I say death because that is exactly what its continued use will bring if not stopped in time. I don't want to see anyone in jail but if my agency can save just one life by inconveniencing a drug dealer, then we will continue to do just that. As always if you see anything or know of any drug activity or criminal mischief don't hesitate to contact us. 'See It, Hear It, Report It' will continue to be our plea to the Parsons community and the surrounding area," said Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd

"These recent cases have been brought to you, courtesy of the 'Routine' traffic stop. Our agency catches heat from a few social media trolls complaining about traffic stops. I understand that those people don't always agree with the stops, and they will continue to complain about them not matter what we do. I am not talking to those people. I am talking to the silent majority of citizens who are following the law daily by wearing their seat belts, driving the speed limits, and using their turn signals. Thank you. Also, thank you for your support and thank you for defending us on social media when our names are smeared through the mud without cause. We see you and we appreciate you," finished 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 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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