Parsons Police Department makes arrest in alcohol-related shooting incident

(From the Parsons Police Department)

Parsons police received a report of a possible shooting at 2:01 am at Prairie West Apartments in the 3600 block of Chess in Parsons. 

As officers responded to that address, Officer Tyler White observed a suspicious vehicle speeding toward Labette Health. He followed the vehicle which pulled up to the ER and met Best who was the driver. Best uttered that he had accidentally shot the victim, who was rushed into the ER for treatment. The ER Victim and the shooting report on Chess were the same incident.

"Officers retrieved a 9mm handgun and other evidence. Based on the evidence and interviews along with witnesses, it appears that Best may have accidentally discharged a pistol at Prairie West apartments and the victim who was nearby Best was struck by the bullet," according to Patrol Lieutenant Kyle Wiford. "Officers confronted a crime scene at two locations, stabilized a chaotic situation and pieced together the steps of the incident with our on-call Detective."

Officers determined that Best and a friend who is a 24-year-old male, Columbus, KS resident, were at Best's residence. Both Best and the victim know each other and were together earlier in the night.

Under Kansas law a serious injury caused by the reckless discharge of a firearm is classified as an Aggravated Assault, which is a felony. Officers found evidence that Best had also been drinking. A second charge of Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated was also added (a misdemeanor).

Kenyon L. Best aged 26 of Parsons was arrested by Officers at Labette Health after he had driven a shooting victim to the Emergency Room. He was transported to the Parsons Police Lock-Up facility for booking on the two charges.

The Victim was immediately treated at the Labette Health Emergency Room. He was then life flighted to Freeman Hospital and was last known to be in critical but stable status.

"This appears to be an isolated accidental shooting at the present time," said Detective Lt Sherri McGuire. "This is an unfortunate and serious incident that leaves a victim in the hospital and a suspect in jail. Alcohol or other substances that can impair judgement should never be mixed with firearms."
This continues to be an on-going 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 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.