Parsons police arrested a Parsons man this week on suspicion of aggravated burglary and narcotics possession.
On Monday, Parsons Police Officer Brett Malle responded to a report of an aggravated burglary in the 2700 block of Grand.
The homeowner reported that the suspect, later identified as Eric Francis Matthews, 32, of Parsons, unlawfully entered the residence and encountered the homeowner’s 13-year-old son inside. Matthews allegedly exchanged words with the child, continued searching the home and ultimately stole $80 in cash before fleeing.
Investigators began working to locate Matthews. On Tuesday, Detective Sgts. Tim Gilliland, Brice Dickens and Tony Adamson conducted surveillance on a residence in the 2500 block of Broadway where Matthews was believed to be located. Detectives observed Matthews exiting the residence and identified him.
When officers approached Matthews to place him under arrest for aggravated burglary, he initially complied but then resisted. After a brief struggle, Matthews was taken into custody without injury and transported to the Parsons Police Department.
A previously obtained search warrant for the residence on Broadway, related to an ongoing narcotics distribution investigation, was executed later that same day. During the search, detectives recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, multiple prescription pills, marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia, including smoking devices, digital scales and packaging materials for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
All recovered substances will undergo laboratory testing at the KBI Crime Lab.
Video surveillance provided by the homeowner confirmed Matthews’ presence inside the home and corroborated the victim’s account of the burglary.
Chief Robert Spinks praised the teamwork and quick investigative work by Parsons officers and detectives.
“This case highlights the dedication of our officers to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, in this case, a child confronted by an intruder in his home. It also demonstrates our ongoing efforts to combat the presence of illegal narcotics in Parsons.
“We will continue working with prosecutors to hold this suspect accountable for both the burglary and drug-related offenses.”
Eric Matthews remains in custody pending formal charges by the Labette County Attorney’s Office.
This continues to be an ongoing 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, the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email [email protected].
