Parsons Police Arrest Driver Following Hit-and-Run and Pursuit

A reported hit-and-run crash in Parsons led to a vehicle pursuit, foot chase, Taser deployment, and the arrest of a Parsons man on multiple charges, including felony DUI and interference with law enforcement.

On September 23, 2026, at approximately 10:29 a.m., Parsons Police were dispatched to the area of 10th and Main Street after receiving a report that a blue Ford Taurus had struck another vehicle in the 500 block of Main Street and left the scene.

The driver of the damaged vehicle followed the Taurus from a distance while providing Parsons Dispatch with updated location information. Sgt. Charles Brown located the Taurus traveling westbound in the 1100 block of Crawford Avenue. Officers observed that the vehicle’s right front tire was completely deflated and the vehicle was driving on the rim. Sgt. Brown activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the Taurus near 12th and Crawford. The driver allegedly failed to stop and continued westbound before eventually pulling into a driveway in the 1300 block of Crawford Avenue.

The driver exited the Taurus and fled on foot through a residential yard. Sgt. Brown pursued the driver and gave repeated commands for him to stop. When the driver continued to flee, Sgt. Brown deployed his department-issued Taser. The Taser was effective, and the driver was taken into custody by officers without further incident. The driver was identified as Ronald Robert Paulie of Parsons. Labette County EMS responded to the scene and medically evaluated Paulie.

Officers continued their investigation and determined that the license plate displayed on the Taurus was registered to a different vehicle. Officers also determined that Paulie was operating with a restricted driver’s license requiring the use of an ignition interlock device. The Taurus was not equipped with the required device. During the interaction officers observed signs that led them to suspect Paulie was under the influence of alcohol as well as discovering alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle.

Paulie was transported to the Parsons Police Department holding facility, where officers continued the DUI investigation. Based on the investigation, officers applied for a search warrant seeking a blood sample. The warrant was reviewed and granted by a district judge. The warrant was subsequently served, and a blood sample was collected by medical personnel for further testing.

Paulie was booked on suspicion of multiple offenses, including:

Fleeing or Attempting to Elude

Driving Under the Influence – 4th or Subsequent Conviction

Felony Interference with Law Enforcement

Operating a Vehicle Without a Required Ignition Interlock Device

Registration Violations

Failure to Stop at an Accident

No Vehicle Liability Insurance

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks praised the communication between the reporting party, dispatchers, and responding officers. “This incident demonstrates how quickly what begins as a relatively minor traffic collision can escalate when someone chooses to flee from law enforcement,” said Chief Spinks. “The reporting party did an excellent job of communicating information to our dispatchers, which helped our officers locate the vehicle quickly. Our officers were then able to safely bring the situation to an end and continue a thorough investigation.”

Spinks also reminded motorists that leaving the scene or attempting to avoid law enforcement only creates additional dangers. “If you are involved in a collision, stop and deal with it appropriately,”

Spinks said. “Running from the situation does not make the original problem disappear. It can put the driver, our officers, and innocent members of the public at additional risk.”

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 [email protected].