Parsons police officer catches burglar in the act

Joy found a pile of clothing and items on the porch of a residence and walked to the door to speak to someone about the found property. Joy quickly noticed that the door and frame had been broken and the person that was inside the house was one of Parsons’ homeless residents. The pile of clothes had been piled up for collection. It was apparent to Joy that he discovered a burglary in progress, according to a release from Parsons police.

The officer detained Mathew Thomas Nibarger, 32, of Parsons. Nibarger told the officer that he owned the house, but he is known to be homeless to officers who have been in contact with him. The homeowner verified that the house was burglarized and Nibarger was arrested for residential burglary. A search of Nibarger and his possessions revealed illegal drugs and paraphernalia. 

A witness notified officers about a makeshift shelter that Nibarger used in Circle Park. The shelter had more of Nibarger’s possessions, including a suitcase that was collected for safekeeping. Nibarger was transported to the Parsons Police Department and a request was sent to the Labette County Attorney’s Office for charges of burglary, criminal damage to property, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. Nibarger has a history of burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections website he has convictions in two burglary cases as well as an aggravated burglary conviction. He also has a conviction for attempted aggravated battery from a 2018 arrest.

This continues to be an ongoing investigation and citizens are encouraged to “see it, hear it, report it.” If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060, call the tip line at 421-7057 or email tips@parsonspd.com.