Traffic Stop Leads to Significant Seizure

For Immediate Release

Date: February 19, 2026

Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig

Phone: (620) 421-7060

Email: jludwig@parsonspdks.gov

 

In the early morning hours of February 19, 2026, officers with the Parsons Police Department and the Labette County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on multiple drug-related charges following a coordinated investigation and traffic stops in the City of Parsons.

At approximately 1:10 a.m., an officer observed two vehicles traveling together in an unusual manner. Officers coordinated observations of both vehicles, and one vehicle was stopped by deputies. During that stop, deputies located controlled substances on the driver, who advised he had received the drugs from an associate traveling in the second vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, officers located the second vehicle and initiated a traffic stop based on observed traffic violations and the ongoing investigation. During the stop, Sergeant Christian Smith and K9 partner Morgan, conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted the presence of narcotics. The driver, who was identified as Jerold Scott Tracy, 59 of Golden Valley Arizona, was taken into custody following the discovery of multiple controlled substances and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, officers seized:

·         A significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine (over 15 grams)

·         Hundreds of prescription pills believed to be Alprazolam (Xanax) (over 480 pills)

·         Marijuana

·         Digital scales and packaging materials commonly associated with narcotics distribution

All suspected narcotics were submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory for confirmatory testing.

Mr. Tracy was arrested on multiple charges related to possession and distribution of controlled substances and was later transported to the Labette County Jail following medical clearance.

Lieutenant Kyle Wiford emphasized the importance of proactive patrol and interagency cooperation by saying, "This arrest was the result of strong communication between officers and deputies, along with proactive patrol efforts and the effective use of a K-9 unit. Incidents like this help remove dangerous drugs from our community and reduce the harm these substances cause to families and neighborhoods."

Parsons Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd praised the teamwork involved in the case, "This case highlights the professionalism and dedication of our officers and our partners at the Labette County Sheriff's Office. Large-scale drug trafficking has a direct impact on public safety, and we remain committed to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into our community."

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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