Drone helps Wichita police find gas station robbery suspect

WICHITA, Kansas — A swift and coordinated response by the Wichita Police Department, aided by cutting-edge drone technology, led to the arrest of a 46-year-old man suspected of committing an armed robbery at a southwest Wichita gas station on Friday morning.

The Circle K Robbery

According to police reports, officers responded to a business robbery call on January 2, 2026, at the Circle K convenience store and gas station located at 1254 South Tyler Road. An employee reported that a male suspect had entered the premises, brandished a handgun, and demanded cash from the register. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene on a bicycle, heading west.

Drone Deployment and Neighborhood Search

Responding officers began canvassing the area and quickly located a crashed bicycle matching the description of the getaway vehicle a short distance away from the gas station. Recognizing that the suspect had fled on foot into the surrounding residential neighborhood, an officer deployed a police drone to assist with the search.

The aerial support proved decisive. Within minutes, the drone operator spotted the suspect hopping fences in the residential blocks near the crime scene. Real-time video footage from the drone allowed ground units to establish a secure perimeter and intercept the suspect without further incident.

Arrest and Evidence Recovery

The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Charles Scott Jr., was taken into custody. Officers recovered cash from his pockets, as well as a handgun and discarded clothing matching the employee's description along the suspect's path of travel.

Wichita Police Chief Joseph Sullivan commended the responding team and highlighted the critical role of technology in modern law enforcement. "This incident demonstrates how crucial our drone program is. It allowed our officers to quickly deploy, secure a perimeter, and direct units directly to the suspect, ensuring a safe resolution for the community," Chief Sullivan said.

Scott faces charges of aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. The investigation remains active, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department.