Parsons man charged with kidnapping, sexual abuse

 (From the Joplin Police Department)

On November 3rd, 2025, Joplin Police responded to a report of a past tense sexual assault of a sixteen-year-old juvenile female. 

During the initial investigation, the juvenile was in the care of her legal guardians, and the suspect was not on scene. It was discovered that earlier in the day, the victim had been walking in the area of 7th and Moffet Ave. when a male driving a black SUV pulled up and offered her a ride. 

When the victim declined to get into the vehicle, the male driver presented a handgun and ordered her into the car. The male then took the victim to the area of Schifferdecker Park.

Information obtained determined that while at the park, the suspect began taking photographs of the victim and ordered her into the backseat of the vehicle. Once in the backseat, the suspect attempted to get the victim to remove her pants, while threatening her with the firearm. 

During this time, the suspect placed his cell phone in a position to record the incident, and escalated his sexual behavior. The victim was able to divert the attack by faking a medical emergency and asking for an ambulance. 

The male suspect then drove the victim from the park to the area of 7th Street and Connor Avenue, and dropped her off. The suspect then fled the scene in the vehicle, leaving the victim by herself.P

The Joplin Police Department began investigating the incident as soon as we were notified. Over the course of the investigation numerous detectivess and investigative tools were used to identify the offender in this case. 

Joshua J. Price, 37 years of age, of Parsons, Kansas, was developed as a suspect and an arrest warrant was issued by the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Charges for Price included Kidnapping in the First Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

On January 6th, 2026, with the assistance of the Webb City Police Department, Joshua J. Price was located and arrested at 1715 N. Range Line. Price is currently being held on a $100,000 cash only bond at the Joplin City Jail.