An armed home robbery in the 1000 block of South Ellis early Sunday morning has left Wichita residents on edge. Around 1 a.m., five armed suspects forced their way into a home, restraining the two victims with zip ties and stealing multiple items, including three handguns and electronic devices.
The Wichita Police Department (WPD) revealed that the victims knew the suspects. Following the harrowing ordeal, the victims took immediate action, tracking some of their stolen property to a residence on the 13600 block of West Nantucket.
Police Action: Swift and Strategic
When officers responded to the Nantucket residence, they:
- Established a Perimeter: Ensured the area was secure and monitored.
- Communicated with Occupants: Used a Ring doorbell camera to engage with individuals inside. During this, a suspect unintentionally activated the camera’s speaker, confirming their awareness of law enforcement’s presence.
- SWAT Team Deployment: After unsuccessful negotiation attempts, the SWAT and Crisis Negotiations Teams were called to assist.
As police awaited a search warrant, one suspect exited the house and surrendered peacefully. Following the warrant’s execution, officers searched the residence, discovering two more suspects hiding in the attic.
The Current Situation
Three suspects are in custody, while two remain at large. Investigators are actively pursuing leads to identify and locate the remaining individuals.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1000 block of South Ellis, Wichita |
| Time | Around 1 a.m. on Sunday |
| Suspects Involved | Five suspects (three arrested, two at large) |
| Victims | Two victims, familiar with the suspects |
| Stolen Items | Electronic devices, three handguns |
| Arrests Made | 13600 block of West Nantucket |
| Remaining Suspects | Two suspects still unidentified and at large |
Community Safety and Police Efforts
The Wichita Police Department is urging anyone with information about the remaining suspects to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111. Additionally, WPD investigators can be reached at 316-268-4407.
The swift actions of law enforcement demonstrate their dedication to community safety. Utilizing technology like Ring cameras and deploying specialized teams such as SWAT ensured the apprehension of three suspects while avoiding further escalation.
Impact on the Community
This robbery has highlighted concerns about home security and safety in Wichita. Residents are encouraged to:
- Install or update home surveillance systems.
- Keep valuables in secure, non-visible locations.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to authorities.
The armed robbery in South Wichita underscores the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement action. While three suspects are now in custody, the search for the remaining two continues. Residents are encouraged to assist in the investigation by reporting any relevant information to authorities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened home security and community collaboration to deter crime. With continued efforts from law enforcement and proactive measures from residents, Wichita can remain a safe and resilient community.
FAQs
What items were stolen during the robbery?
The suspects took several electronic devices and three handguns from the victims.
How were the suspects located?
One victim tracked a missing phone and vehicle keys to a residence on West Nantucket, leading law enforcement to the location.
What should I do if I have information about the remaining suspects?
Contact WPD investigators at 316-268-4407 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.