Sedalia Woman Attacks Police with Firecrackers, Roman Candles

On Saturday, Nov. 29 around 2 p.m., Sedalia Police responded to 234 South Moniteau Apt. B on a civil standby to aid the landlord in securing an open apartment.

The landlord reported that a subject had broken the door while trying to retrieve belongings on Friday, Nov. 28. While the landlord was at the apartment, 50-year-old Lecia M. Parnell came out of a neighboring apartment and began yelling and released a dog onto the steps.

The dog began to gnaw on the landlord’s leg but did not break the skin. Parnell did not attempt to restrain the dog and continued yelling and screaming threats at the landlord. The landlord later contacted Animal Control to take possession of the dog and then requested a civil standby from law enforcement to secure the property.

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Later that same day, officers accompanied the landlord to the residence for the civil standby. To reach the residence, officers and the landlord ascended a narrow stairway approximately 20 feet tall and 20 feet long leading to Parnell’s apartment.

When officers and the landlord reached the top of the stairs, Parnell started throwing firecrackers at them and then ignited and fired Roman Candles at them. Officers noted that Roman Candles burn at approximately 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit and are considered dangerous weapons when fired at another person.

Parnell was positioned within 108 feet of both a church and a school when she discharged the firecrackers and Roman Candles, locations where such devices are prohibited within 600 feet. Parnell then announced that she had a gun and would not allow anyone to come up the stairs to prevent her from retrieving belongings in the neighboring apartment. Officers attempted contact, but Parnell would not answer the door or answer her phone.

Officers then left the scene. Parnell was later taken into custody and transported to the Pettis County Jail, where she was placed on a 24-hour hold.

Parnell was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action; two counts of fourth degree assault, exploding or igniting consumer fireworks near certain buildings (school & church).

Her total bond amount was $10,000, and Parnell remained in the Pettis County Jail as of Tuesday morning.