A suspect in several Wichita robberies was arrested in Arkansas City Wednesday on an arrest and detain order issued by the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Arkansas City Police Captain Tom Scott said the suspect, Matthew Church, 27, was working at a restaurant next door to the police department and eating when Wichita police took him in custody with the assistance of local police officers.
Church’s parole officer developed information about where Church could be located. Wichita police contacted local police about 4 p.m. Wednesday for assistance. An hour later, police learned from the parole officer that Church was working at Mozitti’s restaurant.
"We walked in while he was eating supper and took him in custody without incident,"? Scott said. "He was taken to the Cowley County jail on the arrest and detain order."
News reports said Church was known for the polite way he addressed clerks he was robbing. He reportedly would say thank you and have a nice day upon leaving.
Church gave an Ark City address when booked into jail.??Wichita authorities were expected to pick him up this morning.
"According to our records, he has been in town since last least January," Scott said. "I’ve never seen him, never met him or talked to him. I believe he was probably new to the area."
Scott said he understood that Wichita police were planning to release more information about Church Friday.?
