Citizen Report Leads to Arrest of Multi-Time Felon

In the early morning hours of July 21, 2025, officers from the Parsons Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 1400 block of Belmont Avenue, leading to the arrest of a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history.

Just before 3:00 a.m., a concerned citizen contacted the Parsons Police Department after observing an individual acting suspiciously in the neighborhood. The suspicious person was on a bicycle with an attached cart in tow and was snooping around a vacant house. So, he was either up to no good, or one of our local night-time professional bike riders, and well, still most likely up to no good... Corporal Rory Johnson was the first officer on scene and located a man matching the description provided. When Cpl. Johnson attempted to make contact, the individual immediately fled on foot and entered a nearby residence.

Cpl. Johnson pursued the fleeing suspect and made entry into the residence, where he located and apprehended the individual, later identified as Neil Avery, 45, of Parsons. During the encounter, Avery actively resisted arrest and fought with officers. He was taken into custody and initially booked on charges of Interference with Law Enforcement and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

Following the arrest, the Labette County Attorney's Office amended the charges to include two felony counts of Interference with Law Enforcement. During Avery's first appearance in Labette County District Court, a judge issued a $20,000 cash/surety bond.

Avery is no stranger to the life of crime, Avery is a registered offender stemming from a 2015 conviction for distribution of narcotics and is required to register through May 17, 2036. He has a criminal history spanning more than two decades, including:

·         Multiple convictions for Battery on Law Enforcement Officers

·         Disorderly Conduct

·         Burglary

·         Probation and Parole Violations

·         Obstruction of Legal Process

·         Driving Under the Influence

·         Possession of Controlled Substances and Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Distribute

·         Failure to Appear

Avery was most recently arrested in July 2024 by the Parsons Registered Offender Program (PROP) for violations of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He is currently out on felony bond and is scheduled for sentencing in August 2025 on that case.

"This arrest is yet another example of the power of our community working together through our 'See it. Hear it. Report it.' philosophy," said Lieutenant Kyle Wiford. "Thanks to a vigilant citizen who took the time to report suspicious activity, a multi-time felon was taken off the streets before further harm could occur."

The Parsons Police Department encourages all residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and being the eyes and ears that help keep the community 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@parsonspdks.gov .

 

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