Parsons man charged with DUI is person of interest in recent shooting

(From the Parsons Police Department)

On Tuesday December 14, 2021, Parsons Police Officers responded to the 1400 block of Morgan Ave. for a report of a vehicle crash where a parked car was stuck.

When officers arrived, they quickly discovered that there were three vehicles involved in the accident. A black Nissan Versa was found to have struck two legally parked vehicles that were on the side of the road. Officers found that the driver of the Nissan was Raymond Alfonso Anthony Rigazio, 26 of Parsons.

During the investigation of the crash Raymond was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At the scene, officers discovered a black 9mm Glock pistol with a 30-round magazine in it. The weapon was located near Raymond under a vehicle in the driveway of a home, where Raymond was found sitting, officers determined the weapon belonged to Raymond. 

The discovery of the weapon led officers to arrest Raymond for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon as well as Driving under the influence, Transporting an Open Container, and No Vehicle Liability Insurance.

During the investigation of a shooting that took place on December 13th in the early morning hours it was reported that a black vehicle that matched the description of Raymond’s rented vehicle was seen leaving the scene after the shooting. This information along with the discovery of the weapon in Raymond’s possession now make him a Person of Interest in the shooting as well. 

Raymond has an extensive criminal history as a habitual criminal, involving illegal drugs and domestic violence.

 
Raymond Rigazio was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Parsons Police Department while charges are being filed with the Labette County Attorney’s Office.

 
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, “This is an interesting discovery of Mr. Rigazio being found with a weapon. He is a multi-time repeat offender in Labette County and comes to us from the State of California. I hope that he quickly returns to California after his sentence is served here for his unfortunate driving abilities while under the influence. If he is somehow found involved in the shooting, I hope he goes to prison for a lengthy stay to better serve his community upon his inevitable release. If not, then Mr. Rigazio needs to look a different home. We are done tolerating criminal activity where felons still violate the law in Parsons.”

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 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

Earlier news release

In the early morning hours of December 13, 2021, around 5:22 am Parsons Police Officers were called to the 1500 block of Wilson Ave. for a report of shots fired in the block.

 
Officers responded to the area and located multiple spent shell casings in 40 caliber and 9mm. The shots were targeted at one residence in that block. Officers interviewed the victim of the crime and conducted a neighborhood canvass in hopes to find the suspects responsible. 

The victim was accompanied by two individuals in the house but one of them was not available for questioning. That subject was a black male, known only as Jason. He fled the scene as officers arrived and the other parties claimed they don’t know who he was. “Jason” is wanted for questioning as a potential victim and may have pertinent information leading to the arrests of these violent criminals.

 
The shell casings were collected, and limited information was gathered as the officers are trying to gain leads. Police were able to gain video surveillance from a canvass of the area.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, “this case like so many others, is a targeted attack. Whereas we are gaining a level of cooperation by the victims there is also information not being shared with law enforcement that could bring this case and many like it to a close. 

"One person can only speculate as to what the cause of the shooting was about, but unfortunately until someone steps up to give us the pertinent information that we need, arrests may take longer than we hope. I urge anyone who knows or have seen anything to come forward and tell is what you know. All information is appreciated, and even anonymous information can even help.”

This continues to be an on-going 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 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.