Parsons police arrested on Monday a Texas man and recovered a stolen car after receiving an alert from the Flock license plate recognition system.
A release from the Parsons Police Department noted that the alert came in at 5:26 p.m. Monday to Parsons Police Officer Brett Malle. The alert identified a stolen gray Lexus IS300 traveling eastbound on U.S. 400 near Jackson Road. The vehicle, reported stolen out of Midlothian, Texas, earlier that same day, was confirmed stolen by police dispatch.
Officers quickly found the vehicle in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn on Cattle Drive, the police release said. When approached, the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Khaalid Rashard Lathrop- Ragland of Midlothian, attempted to evade officers on foot. A brief pursuit ensued through the wooded area near Tolen Creek before officers captured and arrested Lathrop-Ragland.
During the investigation, officers discovered two handguns inside the stolen Lexus, along with personal property linking Lathrop-Ragland to the vehicle. The firearms were secured and found not to be reported stolen.
Lathrop-Ragland was arrested on the following charges: Possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and interference with law enforcement.
The Parsons Police Department credits the Flock safety system and the quick coordination of responding officers for the successful arrest.
“The integration of the Flock system into our operations continues to prove its value to public safety in Parsons,” said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks in a prepared statement. “This technology provides our officers with real-time information that helps us locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and ultimately make our community safer. Equally important, the persistence and teamwork of our officers in this case ensured a dangerous individual was taken into custody without anyone getting hurt.”
The case remains under investigation, and the department is coordinating with authorities in Texas regarding the stolen vehicle and additional evidence recovered during the arrest.
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, contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060, the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email tips@parsonspdks. gov.
