Traffic Stops Yields Short Chase and Felony Arrest

On October 29, 2023, Officer Mark Raney of the Parsons Police Department was on a routine mobile patrol in the 300 block of South 18th Street. While conducting his patrol, Officer Raney observed a vehicle engaging in reckless behavior, performing donuts at the intersection of 18th and Morgan before speeding off south on 18th Street.

Officer Raney promptly initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle's driver decided to flee the scene. As the vehicle slowed down, a passenger exited the vehicle, while the driver continued to evade the pursuing officer. Officer Raney remained committed to the pursuit, following the vehicle as it proceeded west on Appleton, then south on 32nd St. to Johnston Road. Eventually, the fleeing vehicle came to a stop in the 2800 block of Ward Avenue.

Upon exiting the vehicle, the driver, identified as Xavier Donnell Porter, crawled to the ground from the driver's seat. During the subsequent investigation, Officer Raney detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from Porter, raising suspicions of driving under the influence. A thorough search of the vehicle yielded an open bottle of Tequila and the discovery of pills, as well as white crystalline substance, which later tested presumptively positive for methamphetamines.

Notably, Porter was a registered offender who was found to be in violation of his offender status and was driving with a suspended license. As a result of this incident, Porter was placed under arrest and subsequently detained. The Parsons Police Department has referred the following charges to the Labette County Attorney's Office for consideration: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Transporting an Open Container, Reckless Driving, Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Suspended, Violation of Offender Registration, as well as multiple traffic violations.

Parsons Police Department's Lieutenant Kyle Wiford commended Officer Raney's exemplary actions, stating, "This case serves as a prime example of our officers' ability to build felony cases from what might seem like routine traffic stops. Our intensified efforts in traffic enforcement are aimed at curbing instances of driving under the influence and preventing potential DUI-related accidents. Officer Raney's observations and dedication to duty have successfully removed a repeat offender from our streets. Well done."    

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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