Police Arrest Suspect Following Reported Machete Attack
For Immediate Release
Date: October 19, 2026
Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig
Phone: (620) 421-7060
Email: jludwig@parsonspdks.gov
A late-night disturbance between roommates turned violent early Thursday morning, October 17, 2026, prompting a response from Parsons Police Officers and resulting in the arrest of a 24-year-old Parsons man following an alleged attack involving a machete.
At approximately 12:02 a.m., Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2300 block of Belmont Avenue after receiving a report of a disturbance between two individuals. While officers were responding, dispatchers received additional information indicating that a machete may have been involved in the confrontation.
Upon arrival, officers contacted Rodolfo Mazariegos Gomez, 24, of Parsons, who was identified as one of the individuals involved in the disturbance. Officers quickly learned that another individual involved in the incident had left the residence and that his whereabouts were initially unknown. As officers continued their investigation, they received information that the victim had been located at Labette Health, where he was receiving medical treatment for an injury sustained during the confrontation.
According to information provided to the officers, an argument between the two individuals escalated when Gomez allegedly obtained a machete. The victim reported fleeing the residence on foot in an attempt to escape the confrontation. The victim told officers that after running a short distance, he fell to the ground. Gomez allegedly approached the victim and swung the machete, striking the victim's hand and causing an injury.
During their investigation, officers located a machete inside the residence with what appeared to be blood on the blade. Officers also discovered suspected blood evidence extending along Belmont Avenue toward the intersection of 24th Street. The scene was documented, and evidence was collected as part of the ongoing investigation. Based on the information obtained, officers took Gomez into custody at approximately 12:33 a.m. without further incident. Parsons Police Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant to collect additional evidence, including biological samples that may assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks emphasized the seriousness of incidents involving weapons and the department's commitment to protecting the community. "When an argument escalates to the point where someone allegedly uses a weapon against another person, the potential for serious injury or loss of life becomes very real. What may begin as a disagreement can quickly turn into a life-changing event. Our officers are trained to respond to these situations, protect those involved, and conduct a thorough investigation. We want our community to understand that violence is never an acceptable way to resolve a disagreement. If a situation is escalating, separate yourself, get to a safe location, and call for help."
Gomez was arrested in connection with the incident and transported to the Labette County Jail. The following offenses have been sent to the Labette County Attorney's Office for review and official charges: Attempted 2nd degree Murder, Domestic Battery and Aggravated Assault.
The Parsons Police Department is withholding the victim's identity and certain details surrounding the incident out of respect for the victim's privacy and to protect the integrity of the investigation.
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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