Police make arrest in shooting at Parsons apartment house

PARSONS, Kan. –  Only minutes Parsons Police received a call about a  shooting at an apartment house Parsons Officer Tyler White observed a suspicious vehicle speeding toward Labette Health hospital.

He followed the vehicle which pulled up to the ER and encountered Kenyon L. Best, 26 of Parsons who
was the driver. Best uttered that he had accidentally shot the victim, who was rushed into the ER for treatment.

Best 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 in Joplin and was last known to be in critical but stable status.

“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 Wilford.

Officers determined that Best and a 24-year-old male Columbus, KS resident, were at Best’s residence.

Both Best and the victim know each other.

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 (a misdemeanor) was also added.

This continues to be an on-going investigation.

Anyone with information may contact Parsons Police Department at 620421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 620-421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.