One juvenile is in custody and police are trying to identify a second juvenile suspected of involvement in a burglary of a vape shop in Parsons.
Early on Aug. 21, a caller reported seeing two masked people inside the Parsons Vape Shop, 2425 Main. The store manager reported seeing two masked individuals inside the business actively stealing merchandise.
Before officers arrived, the suspects ran. Officers checked the store, canvassed the area, processed evidence and notified detectives.
Detectives reviewed security footage from nearby businesses and conducted interviews. On Aug. 27, witnesses identified a 14-year-old male juvenile as a person of interest. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 3100 block of Morgan Avenue.
On Aug. 28, police executed the search warrant, detaining a suspect and recovering product packaging and stolen merchandise from the Parsons Vape Shop. Detectives also located clothing matching what the masked suspects were seen wearing during the burglary. The juvenile suspect was transported to the Parsons Police Department, interviewed and later transported to the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Center in Girard on suspicion of burglary, felony theft and criminal damage.
This case remains under investigation, with detectives continuing efforts to identify and locate the second suspect.
Lt. Detective Sherri McGuire highlighted the importance of local business security measures.
“Our local businesses are vital to the Parsons community, and, unfortunately, they are often the target of crime. We encourage all business owners to invest in proper security, surveillance cameras, alarm systems and good lighting are powerful deterrents. Quick reporting, as in this case, gives our officers and detectives the best chance to act swiftly and bring offenders to justice.”
