Shooting Suspect Arrested and Released
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, at approximately 10:00 PM, the Parsons Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 1300 block of Stevens Avenue. Although there were no reported injuries, a residence in the area was struck by multiple rounds.
Officers and detectives immediately began investigating the incident, collecting evidence at the scene, and working to identify those involved. Through diligent investigative efforts, and through citizens participating in See It, Hear It, Report It, a description of a suspect vehicle was developed, and officers were able to locate the vehicle. This critical lead resulted in multiple interviews and the identification of the alleged shooter.
The suspects in this case, along with others involved, are juveniles. In accordance with legal requirements, their names cannot be released. Detectives were able to arrest the juvenile suspect, who was subsequently interviewed and processed through Juvenile Intake.
Due to the point system of the Kansas Detention Assessment Instrument (KDAI), which is administered to all detention eligible youth by the local juvenile intake officials to help determine the need for confinement based on Public Safety Risk or Failure to Appear. The alleged shooter in this case somehow did not meet the threshold for placement in juvenile detention. As a result, the suspect was released into the community in custody of a guardian per the state guidelines.
The charges for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling and Criminal Damage have been sent to the Labette County Attorney's Officer for official review and charging on the juvenile suspect. Additional charges may be included later as the investigation continues.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks expressed his continued frustration and deep concern over the release, stating, "This is unacceptable. The citizens of our community, along with my officers and detectives, are placed back in harm's way because this alleged shooter is back on our streets due to an ineffective broad-based, non-descript point system. This situation is a prime example of the need for a more effective approach to ensure public safety and hold individuals accountable, even juvenile offenders." The Parsons Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and will continue to investigate this incident thoroughly.
This continues to be an on-going investigation, and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 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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