Traffic Stop Leads to Drugs and Gun

On October 14, 2020 at approximately 12:58 am Parsons Police Sergeant Joel Franklin witnessed a vehicle that was driving left of center in the 500 block of South 26th. Sergeant Franklin followed the vehicle and witnessed it traveling 12 mph over the posted speed limit. He made a traffic stop and was able to stop the car safely.

Sergeant Franklin was immediately given a false name by the driver but during the stop noticed the presence of marijuana in the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently searched, and the true identity of the driver was discovered to be Clarence Lee Williams. Williams, a convicted felon, was in possession of illegal narcotics, marijuana, paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Williams was arrested for three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with Law Enforcement, Sale and Distribution of Marijuana, Sale and Distribution of Other Certain Illegal Drugs, Aggravated Weapons Violation, Suspicion of Driving under the Influence, No Valid Driver's License, and multiple traffic violations.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "This is a perfect example for the community to see why traffic enforcement is such an important part of police work. What started as a small traffic violation that could have been a quick citation, quickly turned into a very large felony case for the sale and distribution of death in our community. This felon from Independence was in possession of a firearm and very well could have been the victim or suspect in the next shooting in our city. We want to deter all forms of crime out of Parsons and keep these felons in their own cities."

The narcotics that Williams was found with ranged from prescription pills to an unknown white powder. All of the drugs are being sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for identification confirmation and official weight. Williams is being held at the Parsons Police Department until he is seen by a Labette County Judge for a first appearance.

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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