Police Investigate Overnight Juvenile Crime Spree Involving Multiple Vehicle Burglaries and Thefts

For Immediate Release

Date:

Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig

Phone: (620) 421-7060

Email: jludwig@parsonspdks.gov

 

The Parsons Police Department made three arrests from the investigation into a series of vehicle burglaries and motor vehicle thefts that occurred across multiple neighborhoods in Parsons during the early morning hours of February 10, 2026. The incidents spanned several areas of the city, including the Main Street corridor, Grand Avenue area, Appleton Avenue neighborhood, Kay Lane, and the vicinity of local lodging establishments as well as residential blocks.

Officers initially responded to a report of a reckless vehicle that had struck a utility pole before being abandoned near a wooded area. During the course of the response, officers determined the vehicle had been stolen earlier that morning from a residential area. As officers continued their investigation, additional reports began coming in from residents throughout the city reporting vehicles being broken into, windows broken, and steering columns damaged in apparent attempts to steal the vehicles. In some cases, vehicles were entered but not taken, in others, property was stolen from inside the vehicles.

Throughout the early morning and later that day, additional vehicle burglaries and a second motor vehicle theft were reported in neighborhoods on both the north and south sides of the city. Locations included residential streets, apartment complexes, and parking areas near hotels. Stolen items ranged from personal property and electronic devices to wallets, identification, debit cards, and school-related equipment. In total, more than a dozen victims were impacted by these crimes.

The investigation involved patrol officers, detectives, and the review of video surveillance from public and private camera systems in the area. Through this coordinated effort, three juvenile suspects, ranging in age from 14 to 15, were identified as being involved in the incidents. The juveniles were taken into custody for the crime spree. Two of the juveniles were transported to the juvenile detentions center but one was released back to their parents in accordance with recommendation from the Labette County Attorney due to no prior criminal history. Two of the juveniles have an extensive criminal history for person and non-person felonies ranging from theft and burglary to robbery as well as drive by shootings.

The suspects are facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including burglary of motor vehicles, theft, criminal damage to property, and motor vehicle theft. The case also involves property damage resulting from the collision of a stolen vehicle with a utility pole, which caused infrastructure damage and created a significant public safety hazard.

In compliance with Kansas law, the Parsons Police Department is not releasing the names of the juvenile suspects. Additionally, to protect the privacy of those affected, the identities of the victims are not being released.

Detective Lieutenant Sherri McGuire stressed the scope and impact of the incidents "This was a city-wide series of crimes that affected numerous residents in different neighborhoods. Our officers responded to multiple scenes, followed up on evidence, and worked quickly to connect with what initially appeared to be separate incidents. The damage caused went beyond property loss, these incidents disrupt people's sense of safety in their own neighborhoods and even though they are juvenile they need to be held accountable."

Chief Robert Spinks emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the department's commitment to accountability, "Even though the suspects are juveniles, the behavior involved here is serious criminal conduct. Vehicle burglaries and thefts place our community at risk and can easily escalate into dangerous situations for the public and for responding officers. We always are and have been committed to holding individuals accountable through the juvenile justice system while also working with community partners and families to address the root causes and prevent future offenses."

The Parsons Police Department wants to remind residents that many of these incidents involved unlocked vehicles or vehicles with valuables left inside. Residents are encouraged to take the following preventive measures:

• Always lock your vehicle, even when parked in your driveway
• Remove valuables, bags, and electronics from plain view
• Never leave keys or key fobs inside a vehicle
• Park in well-lit areas when possible
• Report suspicious behavior or attempted vehicle entries immediately
• Please remember the 9pm Routine

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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