PARSONS — Parsons police late Thursday arrested an accused gunman they said fired at three Parsons men Wednesday afternoon.
The arrest of Parsons resident Stedarrish Stefon Herman, 20, followed a three-hour standoff when police found him at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South 13th Street, the Parsons Sun reported.
Herman is charged in Labette County District Court with three counts of attempted murder and a host of other crimes for allegedly firing at Cedric Webb Jr., Jeremy Tyson Jr. and Johntae Fields. The police investigation began Wednesday morning when someone took a hatchet to a pair of vehicles, the Sun reported.
While police were investigating those cases, an officer saw Herman, who was considered a suspect, driving in the 3100 block of Corning and pursued him. The pursuit ended at 24th and Briggs when Herman ran into a wooded area and escaped, the newspaper reported.
That afternoon, police were summoned to the 3100 block of Grand by a caller who said they had heard gunshots.
During the gunfire, multiple houses were hit with bullets as was an O’Reilly’s delivery vehicle and a business a block to the west, the newspaper said.
Witnesses told police that Herman started the gunfire and that the intended victims fired back at him.
A vehicle believed tied to the shootout was later found at Herman’s listed address.
Fast forward to Thursday evening, when officers learned of Herman’s presence at the Parsons Village complex.
Officers surrounded the complex and evacuated residents living in nearby units.
Officers acquired a warrant and entered the apartment, where they found Herman attempting to hide behind a couch, with an apparent wound to his hand. The newspaper said the injury may have been related to the Wednesday shootout.
He was treated for his injury, which was not considered life-threatening, the newspaper said.
Herman’s sister, Bernia Herman, 26, also was arrested for suspicion of aiding and abetting her brother.
The apartment’s residents had left the complex prior to the standoff.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks credited law enforcement officers for their work, as well as the nearby residents for their gratitude during the standoff. He noted several residents also provided tips during the investigation.
“In this day and age, you don’t always see folks thanking the police,” Spinks told the newspaper. “This was spontaneous, and it meant a lot to my staff.”
