Man arrested for murder in Parsons, one other injured

PARSONS, Kan. (KOAM) -- One person is dead and another is injured following a shooting in Parsons.

According to the Parsons Police Department, officers responded to the 2300 block of Appleton for a report of a man bleeding. Officers were notified that the blood may be from a gun or knife wound.

Authorities say a man, identified as Tylor Abshere, was laying in the street as they arrived with people surrounding him.

Corporal Rory Johnson got out to render aid when he heard a male voice telling him to help the man in the street because he shot them. Officers say the voice came from Michael Morales, who was behind a tree with a gun in his hand.

Cpl. Johnson was able to talk Morales into dropping the weapon, but while attempting to arrest Morales, he tried to flee the scene and was quickly arrested with the use of a taser.

The Parsons Police Department says Cpl. Johnson and Officers Josh Daniels and Sean McCullough continued providing aid to Abshere until medical staff arrived. Then, authorities were notified of another shooting victim, Maurice Harper, inside the home.

EMS took Harper and Abshere to the Emergency Department at Labette Health. EMS later took Abshere to another hospital, but Harper was pronounced dead, while receiving medical care.

The Parsons Police Department is requesting charges against Michael Morales, 48, of Parsons of Murder in the 1st Degree as well as Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree, Aggravated Battery, and Interference with Law Enforcement.

“This is a terrible and unfortunate incident for our community. The loss of life is always unacceptable, and this heinous murder needs to be answered for in the court of law. Luckly Officers were able to take the suspect into custody so that he could stand trial for his crimes. I pray for the families that are affected by this incident and implore any affected to seek help if needed," said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks.

"The amazing de-escalation abilities of our officers are to be commended as this could have developed into an officer involved shooting as well. When we train for incidents, it is never known how well the tools that are taught will work in the field, but this incident shows that our training is paying dividends in the field. This individual will now have to answer for his actions through the judicial system. I hope that the families find peace in this trying time," said Lieutenant Kyle Wilford.

The Parsons Police Department says this is an ongoing investigation and people are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It."