A traffic stop leads to the arrest of the driver and a passenger.

 Late last week, officers made a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Washington in Parsons. When contact was made with the driver and the passenger, the officer was able to see illegal substances in the vehicle. During the vehicle search, officers found a stolen Bushmaster AR-15 rifle. The weapon was reported stolen to Parsons Police in August 2022. It was also discovered that the driver, John Hall-Kennedy, was a felon and could not legally possess a firearm. Officers also discovered drug paraphernalia and illegal substances. Kennedy and passenger Stacie Michelle Brooks were arrested at the scene.

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

 Kennedy is being held on charges of 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. Brooks is being held on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal use of Weapons, and a traffic infraction.

 The investigation is ongoing.