Traffic Stop Leads to Non-Resident Arrest

                On August 9, 2023, at approximately 1:35 am, Parsons Police Corporal Rory Johnson initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle situated near the on-ramp junction of US HWY 59 and US 400. During the course of the stop, Cpl. Johnson conducted a comprehensive search of the vehicle, which yielded the discovery of drug paraphernalia and illicit substances.

As a result of the findings, Jennifer Lee Williams, a 50-year-old resident of Chetopa, was taken into custody by law enforcement officials. Subsequently, Ms. Williams was transported to the Parsons Police Department for procedural processing. The Parsons Police Department has submitted a formal request to the Labette County Attorney's Office for the following charges to be filed against Ms. Williams: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Hallucinogenic Drugs, Possession of Stimulants, Distribution of Stimulants, Interference with Law Enforcement (Concealment/Destruction of Evidence), Trafficking Contraband into a Corrections Facility, in addition to several traffic-related violations.

Expressing his commendation for the proactive approach demonstrated by the officers, Parsons Police Lieutenant Kyle Wiford stated, "This traffic stop exemplifies the vigilance of our officers in identifying larger-scale criminal activities beyond the immediate stop. Officer Johnson displayed exceptional diligence, resulting in the removal of yet another illicit drug distributor from our community. We hope that this serves as a clear message to other individuals engaged in such activities to reconsider their actions within the Parsons jurisdiction. Our dedicated team remains resolute in eradicating illegal narcotics from our streets. It is prudent for those involved in drug trafficking to seek alternative locales for their operations."

                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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