Shots Fired Lead to Two Arrests
On March 21, 2024, at approximately 12:37 am, Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Chess Ave. following reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers engaged with the residents and identified the individuals involved. Two individuals, Jessie Joeseph Jones, 19, and Cedric Alexander Webb Jr.,19, were identified as the gunmen and they have subsequently been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the altercation stemmed from ongoing tensions between two female parties involved in relationships. Specifically, the altercation appears to have originated from conflicts between individuals identified as Iniya Elizabeth Jewel Hinman, 18, and Dakiah Alohn Yates, 19, concerning their relationship with Jessie Jones. Over the past month, these tensions had escalated, culminating in the events of last night.
According to reports, the altercation escalated when Yates visited Hinman's residence, located in the 1700 block of Chess Ave. A physical confrontation ensued in the front yard before escalating further inside the residence. The homeowner, Ericka Samantha Reece, 38, retrieved a firearm and ordered everyone to leave the premises. The altercation continued outside the residence, where Yates displayed a firearm, and shots were fired from the house by Webb.
Following the initial confrontation, Yates departed the scene in a vehicle, with Jones and Hinman fleeing in different directions. Subsequently, Jones and Yates returned to the scene, where Jones fired several shots towards the residence from the vehicle.
According to Lieutenant Sherri McGuire, "Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident. However, the swift response and intervention by officers prevented further escalation of the situation. It is important for the community to know that this was an isolated targeted incident and not a random drive-by as some social media posts have indicated."
Jessie Jones and Cedric Webb Jr. are currently in custody, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Charges related to the altercation and discharge of firearms are expected to be filed as the investigation progresses.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "This is an unfortunate incident that took place in a residential area. I am grateful that there were no injuries and the suspects have been taken into custody. The charges requested will reflect the danger to the innocent bystanders that live in the neighborhood and the wanton disregard to the safety of the citizens that live there. I hope that the Labette County District Court see this as an opportunity to help keep the streets of Parsons safe."
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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