Suspect wanted in Kan., Missouri caught hiding in bedroom

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. — Law enforcement investigating three suspects on multiple allegations

Just before 8:30 p.m., a sheriff’s deputy stopped a gray 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 truck near 182nd and S. Road due to the tag on the vehicle being registered to another vehicle.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from Miami County, Kansas. The driver of the vehicle, Chellcie Sparks, 35, of Mayetta, was arrested on the required charges, including possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interfering with law enforcement. order and assault and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Just after 7am. The next morning, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious person and a vehicle with Iowa tags near the residence of Chellcie Sparks at 182nd and S. Roads.

Officers arrived on scene and discovered that a fugitive identified as Justin Lane Stephens, 41, had barricaded himself inside the residence. Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, had outstanding arrest warrants in Jackson County for burglary, theft, criminal damage, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Stephens must have been considered armed and dangerous.

Stephens was also wanted in Springfield, Mo., for forgery, and he had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Christian County, Mo., for theft.

Jackson County deputies served a search warrant at the residence Wednesday, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers also assisted. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team entered the residence after the suspect failed to surrender. Fugitive Justin Lane Stephens was found hiding behind furniture in a bedroom and taken into custody by police.

In addition to the previous charges, Stephens was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of possession of a firearm, identity theft, possession of counterfeit currency and criminal interference with law enforcement.

Another person was arrested at the scene, Evin Daniele Crome, 40, of Waterville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for forgery out of Marshall County.