Traffic Pursuit Ends with Arrest of Repeat Offender in Flooded Roadway
On the evening of June 5, 2025, a high-speed pursuit through Parsons and surrounding county roads ended with the safe apprehension of a suspect after his vehicle became disabled in a flooded roadway. The incident highlights the ongoing vigilance of the Parsons Police Department and its commitment to keeping dangerous drivers off local roads.
At approximately 11:01 PM, Parsons Police Officer Sean McCullough observed a gold Honda Civic driving erratically and driving onto the curb near the 700 block of Main Street in Parsons. When Officer McCullough attempted a traffic stop, the driver who was later identified as 30-year-old Tyler Dwaine Vickrey fled northbound at high speeds, initiating a pursuit.
During the chase, the suspect vehicle reached speeds of over 100 mph while weaving through city streets and county roads, disregarding multiple traffic laws, including failure to stop, driving left of center, and reckless driving. The pursuit extended east on U.S. Highway 400, prompting coordination with Cherokee County law enforcement.
As the suspect neared Strauss, the presence of additional law enforcement led him to execute a U-turn and flee westbound. The chase ultimately concluded when the suspect turned north onto Xavier Road and drove into a flooded area, causing the vehicle to become immobilized.
Officers safely apprehended the driver without further incident. Vickrey admitted to fleeing due to having a suspended driver's license. A search of the vehicle was conducted after it was recovered from the flood zone. Vickrey was transported to the Parsons Police Department for booking.
Upon review, Vickrey faces multiple citations and charges, including speeding, racing on roadway, driving left of center, failure to stop at a stop sign, driving too fast for road conditions, driving while suspended (repeat offense), fleeing and eluding law enforcement and habitual violator.
Vickrey has a prior conviction for fleeing and eluding from January 2024 and multiple past convictions for driving while suspended. According to the KDOC website he is also currently on community corrections.
Lieutenant Kyle Wiford, who supervises patrol operations, stated, "This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in tragedy. Our officers remained professional and coordinated throughout the pursuit, and I commend their efforts to bring it to a safe conclusion. Reckless drivers will not be tolerated in Parsons."
Chief Robert Spinks added "Fleeing from police is never worth the risk. We are fortunate no one was injured during this high-speed chase. The Parsons Police Department will continue to pursue charges aggressively against habitual offenders who threaten public safety. I commend the teamwork displayed by our officers and the coordination with our law enforcement partners."
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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