Dexter man faces serious charges after threatening ‘suicide by cop’

DEXTER — A tense situation unfolded Christmas Day in Dexter when a man called 911 threatening to provoke a “suicide by cop” scenario.

The caller, identified as Steven Parks, 29, of Dexter, informed dispatchers that he intended to shoot at police officers upon their arrival at his residence at 913 N. Sassafras St.

Dexter police officers, along with a Stoddard County deputy and a corporal from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, the deputy observed Parks on the front porch, armed with a handgun. Parks fired at the deputy, who was approximately 50 yards away. As the deputy retreated, Parks fired a second shot.

Law enforcement officers managed to approach Parks and instructed him to surrender. Parks was taken into custody without further incident, and a loaded handgun was recovered from the porch.

Stoddard County Prosecutor Sawyer Smith has filed formal charges against Parks, including a Class A felony of assault in the first degree, an unclassified felony of armed criminal action, and a Class A felony of unlawful use of a weapon. Parks is currently held at the Stoddard County Jail on a no-bond warrant.

Dexter Chief of Police Hank Trout expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved.

“I would like to thank officers and detectives with the Dexter Police Department, the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance in resolving this volatile situation peacefully,” Trout said.