Three people arrested after man robbed, hit in head in west Wichita

Three people have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a business in west Wichita.

Ziaareas Kentral Crosby and Larry Spencer Williamson Jr., both 23 and from Wichita, were arrested for suspicion of aggravated robbery. Nykia Dysha Watkins, 18, was arrested for suspicion of aggravated robbery, flee and elude and other traffic charges.

Officer Charley Davidson said police were called at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday to a reported assault and robbery in the 1700 block of West McCormick. Davidson said in a news release that Watkins first approached the 49-year-old man, who owns a business there, and asked if he was hiring. Williamson and Crosby then came from behind the man and demanded money, Davidson said. The man told police that during the robbery he was hit in the head with a rifle.

The robbers left with $130, a Samsung Galaxy phone, keys, wallet and credit cards, the police report says.

“The victim’s credit cards began to be used immediately” in Wichita, Davidson said.

The 2007 Ford Fusion the robbers left in was spotted more than two hours later near Pawnee and Rock, police said.

“Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver, Watkins, refused to stop, accelerated and fled from officers,” Davidson said. “ A short vehicle pursuit ensued until Watkins stopped the vehicle in the area of Kellogg and Edgemoor and all three suspects were arrested without further incident.”

The victim’s wallet and cell phone were recovered. Police also found a fake rifle.

Davidson said investigators are still working to determine if the fake rifle was what the victim reported being hit with. The man had minor injuries, Davidson said.

Williamson has a prior conviction for aggravated battery in Sedgwick County, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 3:48 PM.