A suspect in a burglary is arrested and a large amount of illegal drugs are seized after an investigation by the Parsons Police Department.

 

On Monday, a PPD officer responded to a report of an aggravated burglary in the 2700 block of Grand. The homeowner reported that the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Eric Francis Matthews, unlawfully entered the residence and encountered the homeowner's 13-year-old son. Matthews allegedly exchanged words with the child, continued searching the home, and stole $80 in cash before fleeing the scene.

 

Yesterday, detectives conducted surveillance on a residence in the 2500 block of Broadway where Matthews was believed to be located. Detectives observed him exiting the residence. When officers approached Matthews to arrest him, he initially complied but then resisted. After a brief struggle, Matthews was taken into custody. A previously obtained search warrant for the residence on Broadway, related to an ongoing narcotics distribution investigation, was executed later that same day. During the search, detectives recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, multiple prescription pills, marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia, including smoking devices, digital scales, and packaging materials for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.

 

Video surveillance provided by the homeowner at the Grand residence confirmed Matthews' presence inside the home and corroborated the victim's account of the burglary. Matthews remains in custody pending formal charges by the Labette County Attorney's Office.