Parsons Police Arrest Man Following Domestic Violence
The Parsons Police Department has arrested an adult male following an investigation into a
reported domestic violence incident involving multiple victims, including juveniles, that occurred late
Friday evening.
On December 13, 2025, at approximately 12:03 p.m., officers responded to the Parsons Police
Department to take a report of a past domestic battery. Officers met with an adult female victim who
reported that a physical altercation occurred at a residence the previous night following a domestic
dispute. According to the investigation, the incident escalated into physical violence that included acts
of strangulation, threats of serious harm, and damage to property. Several children were present during
the incident and were placed at risk along with the intended victim.
Officers documented visible injuries consistent with the reported physical battery and assisted
the victim with medical care, safety planning, and connection to local victim advocacy resources. Due to
the seriousness of the allegations, including reported strangulation and threats involving a firearm, a
domestic violence lethality assessment was conducted, and detectives were notified immediately for
follow-up investigation.
Later that afternoon, officers located the suspect at a local business in Parsons. The suspect,
Joseph Wayne Zenk age 34 of Parsons, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the
Parsons Police Department for processing. During an interview with officers, Zenk acknowledged his
involvement in the incident. Zenk was arrested on suspicion of multiple domestic-violence-related
offenses, including domestic battery, aggravated battery, criminal threat, and child endangerment.
Additional charges related to domestic battery by strangulation are being reviewed due to the nature of
the reported injuries and statements provided during the investigation. Formal charges will be
determined by the Labette County Attorney’s Office.
Detectives are continuing the investigation and will conduct follow-up interviews as appropriate.
Due to the involvement of juveniles and the nature of domestic violence cases, additional details are not
being released at this time.
Lieutenant Detective Sherri McGuire stated, “Domestic violence incidents are among the most
dangerous situations law enforcement responds to, especially when children are present and
strangulation or threats of lethal harm are involved. These cases can escalate quickly and unpredictably,
which is why early reporting, thorough investigation, and victim safety planning are critical. Our priority
is protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, and connecting those affected with the resources
they need to stay safe.”
The Parsons Police Department takes domestic violence seriously and recognizes the significant
danger these situations pose to victims and children. Anyone experiencing domestic violence is
encouraged to seek help and report incidents to law enforcement. Support services and confidential
resources are available.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For additional
assistance.
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@parsonspdks.gov.