Parsons traffic stop yields drugs, stolen gun

A traffic stop in Parsons last Friday led to the recovery of a stolen rifle and illegal drugs.

Police said the driver of the vehicle, John E. Hall-Kennedy, was a felon and could not legally possess a firearm. Even so, inside the vehicle, officers found a stolen Bushmaster AR-15 rifle.

The weapon had been reported stolen to the Parsons Police Department in 2022.

Also during the stop Officer Rory Johnson was able to see what appeared to be illegal substances in the vehicle.  Officers discovered drug paraphernalia and illegal substances that field-tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Hall-Kennedy was arrested at the scene, as was his passenger, Stacie Michelle Brooks.

The vehicle was also suspected of being involved in the theft case of an enclosed trailer from a residence in Parsons.

Hall-Kennedy and Brooks have been transported to the Labette County Sheriff’s Department.

Charges requested against Hall-Kennedy include: Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon; Driving While Suspended; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Narcotics; Possession of Stolen Property; Criminal use of Weapons; and several traffic infractions.

The following charges are being requested for Brooks are Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Narcotics;  Possession of Stolen Property; Criminal Use of Weapons and a traffic infraction.