Parsons Police Arrest Juvenile in Vape Shop Burglary
For Immediate Release
Date: September 2, 2025
Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig
Phone: (620) 421-7060
Email: jludwig@parsonspdks.gov
In the early morning hours of August 21, 2025, Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to the Parsons Vape Shop, 2524 Main Street, for a burglary in progress. The store manager reported seeing two masked individuals inside the business actively stealing merchandise.
Before officers could arrive, the suspects fled the scene on foot. Responding officers cleared the store, canvassed the area, processed evidence, and notified detectives.
Detectives immediately began reviewing security footage from nearby businesses and conducting interviews. On August 27, 2025, interviews with potential witnesses identified a 14-year-old male juvenile as a person of interest. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 3100 block of Morgan Avenue.
On August 28, 2025, Parsons Police executed the search warrant, detaining a suspect and recovering product packaging and stolen merchandise from the Parsons Vape Shop. Detectives also located clothing matching what the masked suspects were seen wearing during the burglary. The juvenile suspect was transported to the Parsons Police Department, interviewed, and later charged with Burglary, Felony Theft and Criminal Damage to Property. The juvenile was transported to the Girard Juvenile Detention Center.
This case remains under active investigation, with detectives continuing efforts to identify and locate the second suspect.
Lieutenant Detective Sherri McGuire highlighted the importance of local business security measures "Our local businesses are vital to the Parsons community, and unfortunately, they are often the target of crime. We encourage all business owners to invest in proper security, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and good lighting are powerful deterrents. Quick reporting, as in this case, gives our officers and detectives the best chance to act swiftly and bring offenders to justice."
Chief Robert Spinks emphasized the troubling reality of juvenile crime in Parsons, issuing a community-wide call to action "It is especially concerning when juveniles as young as 14 are involved in serious crimes like burglary. While enforcement is our duty, prevention must start at home and within the community. Parents, guardians, and mentors play a critical role in guiding our youth and setting expectations. We urge families to stay engaged, know where their children are, and reinforce the importance of making positive choices. Together, we can help prevent our young people from entering the criminal justice system."
The Parsons Police Department remains committed to protecting businesses, supporting crime prevention efforts, and engaging the community in addressing youth crime.
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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