Shooting Update
On September 18th that Parsons Police Department issued a press release about a juvenile who was involved in a shooting near 27th and Grand Avenue in Parsons.
In the Press Release there was a charge listed as Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The charge was listed incorrectly, and it should be Criminal Use of a Weapon K.S.A. 21-6301 due to possessing a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long by any person less than 18 years of age.
"We apologize for the mistake and are issuing the correction to reflect the correct charge," said Commander Kyle Wiford.
Also, on this matter there have been lots of social media speculation about this case and the self-inflicted gunshot wound from the same juvenile. The juvenile that was involved in the September 17th shooting had shot himself in the hand previously. This case was in fact investigated by the Parsons Police Department as well, but due to the case being reported as an accident with a parent in the home there was limited enforcement that the police were allowed to conduct. The Parsons Police Department received very little cooperation from involved parties in this case, and it was not reported as a criminal matter. However, the Parsons Police did report this incident to the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) for follow up due to the possibility of parental neglect. DCF has not reach out to the police department for any assistance.
"The possibility of police being able to stop all crime from happening is a myth. Real crime prevention starts in the home with parental supervision and guidance. When there is an incident involving a juvenile that the police have to be involved with, we as a society and families have already failed," stated Parsons Police Chief Robert 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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