Two detained after shots fired incident in Parsons

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at approximately 10:07 p.m., Parsons Police Department
Dispatch received multiple reports of shots fired in the 2600–2700 block of Stevens Avenue. Callers
advised that a silver Buick was seen fleeing the area immediately following the gunfire.

While officers were responding to the neighborhood, a vehicle matching the description was located and stopped in the 200 block of South Central Avenue. Due to the nature of the call and the possibility that the occupants were armed, officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop.

During the stop, officers observed firearms in plain view inside the vehicle and detected a strong odor consistent with recently fired weapons. The driver was identified as Steven Knapper, and the front- seat passenger as Traeton Ginder.

Both individuals were detained without injury.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed multiple firearms, including rifles and handguns, one of which was confirmed stolen, along with various types of ammunition, a spent rifle casing, suspected marijuana, and hallucinogenic mushrooms packaged in a manner consistent with distribution.

The vehicle was seized and towed to the Parsons Police Department for further processing. While officers were securing the vehicle scene, additional officers responded to the original Stevens Avenue location. Investigators located multiple spent shell casings in the driveway and sidewalk area of a residence in the 2600 block, confirming that multiple rounds had been fired in a residential area.

Several occupants of the home, including children, were present at the time of the incident. During the investigation, officers learned that gunfire had been exchanged between the suspect vehicle and individuals at the residence.

According to the investigation, this incident was in response to a twenty-dollar nonpayment for marijuana. This was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence, there is no ongoing threat to the public. Firearms and ammunition were seized from the residence pursuant to a search warrant, and all evidence was documented and secured. No injuries were reported.

“This situation could have ended in absolute tragedy,” said Robert Spinks, Chief of Police. “Instead of focusing on how close we came to losing innocent lives, some may try to minimize or deflect responsibility. Let me be clear, there is nothing petty about rounds being fired in a neighborhood where families and children live. The reckless decisions made that night put lives at risk, and that is unacceptable.” Chief Spinks added, “This was not just a dispute, it was a dangerous escalation involving firearms. The Parsons Police Department will not downplay conduct that places our community in harm’s way.”

Both suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Parsons Police Department. The investigation remains active, and all findings, including firearms offenses, drug-related offenses, and potential aggravated charges, will be forwarded to the Labette County Attorney’s Office for review. The Parsons Police Department reminds the public that gun violence in residential neighborhoods is never justified and will be investigated thoroughly to protect the safety of the community.

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.