ATCHISON, KS – A Topeka man is facing multiple charges following his arrest in connection with a violent robbery at an Atchison Walmart store on May 18. Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the suspect on various allegations.
According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the incident occurred just after 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the Walmart located at 1920 U.S. 73 in Atchison. An employee in the customer service area was entering an office door when she was accosted by a man who grabbed a cash bag she was carrying.
The suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Michael J. Whitfield of Topeka, reportedly struggled briefly with the employee and pushed her before fleeing the scene. Chief Wilson stated that Whitfield did not display any type of weapon during the robbery.
Whitfield then fled the store in a white Chrysler Pacifica with the bag of cash.
On Wednesday, a collaborative effort between U.S. Marshals and Topeka Police led to Whitfield’s apprehension. He was taken into custody around 11:30 p.m. at a residence in Topeka.
Whitfield was arrested on an Atchison District Court warrant, facing charges of robbery, theft, and battery. He has since been transported to the Shawnee County Jail, where his bond has been set at $100,000. The investigation is ongoing.
