Hailey
Police in Emporia, Kansas, are asking the public to help them identify two robbery suspects after a frightening late-night incident. The suspects reportedly tried to rob a man at gunpoint and knifepoint early Sunday morning.
Luckily, the victim was not hurt, but police say both suspects remain at large. Authorities are urging people in the area to stay alert and share any information that could help the investigation.
Details of the Incident
According to Investigations Captain Lisa Hayes, the attempted robbery happened around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. A man had just left the Phillips 66 gas station in the 1100 block of East 12th Avenue when two men on foot approached him.
The suspects tried to rob the man using weapons. One had a handgun, while the other carried a pocket knife. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape without injuries.
Description of the Suspects
Police released descriptions of the two suspects based on the victim’s report.
| Suspect | Height | Clothing | Weapon | Other Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspect 1 | Around 5’6″ | Black hoodie with white letters, black face mask, dark pants/shorts | Handgun (possibly a Glock) | Described as possibly Hispanic |
| Suspect 2 | Around 5’0″ | Black hoodie, black face mask, dark pants/shorts | Pocket knife | Described as possibly Hispanic |
Both men were last seen fleeing south toward the 1100 block of Whittier after the attempted robbery.
Police Search and Investigation
After the report, Emporia Police officers searched the area Sunday morning. Unfortunately, they did not find any witnesses or security camera footage connected to the case.
Captain Hayes stressed that investigators are still looking for any leads. Community members who live near East 12th Avenue or Whittier are being asked to check if they have home security cameras that may have recorded the suspects.
Community Alert and Safety Measures
Even though the suspects have not been caught, the police want to reassure the community that they are actively investigating. They also offered safety advice to residents:
- Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas.
- Stay alert when leaving businesses like gas stations or convenience stores.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately by calling local law enforcement.
- If approached by armed individuals, do not resist—your safety comes first.
Importance of Public Assistance
Cases like this highlight how important the public’s help can be in solving crimes. Police departments often rely on tips, witnesses, and surveillance footage provided by residents.
Captain Hayes noted that any small detail could be valuable. Even if someone thinks the information is not important, it could help officers connect pieces of the investigation.
Local Reactions
Residents of Emporia expressed concern after hearing about the attempted robbery. Many said they hope the suspects are caught quickly.
Local businesses, especially gas stations and late-night stores, are being extra careful by reminding employees to be aware of suspicious activity around their properties.
How to Contact Authorities
If anyone has information about the suspects or the attempted robbery, they should immediately contact the Emporia Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Callers can remain anonymous when reporting tips.
The Emporia Police Department continues to investigate the attempted robbery that occurred on East 12th Avenue near Phillips 66. With two armed suspects still on the loose, community awareness and cooperation are vital.
The police have urged residents to remain cautious and to report anything unusual. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could play a key role in identifying the suspects and keeping the community safe.