Robbery Arrest

PITTSBURG, KANSAS – On early Thursday morning, July 8, 2021, at approximately 1:45 AM, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department were dispatched to the Snak Atak convenience store, located at 1101 E. 4th St., in Pittsburg, regarding a report of a robbery. The store clerk reported that a male suspect was taking an item of merchandise out of the business without paying for it. When confronted by the clerk, the male suspect told the clerk that he had a gun on him and indicated to his waistband, however no firearm was brandished. The male suspect then left the store.

Officers followed up on the incident and later determined the suspect was that of 23-year-old Aaron M. Beard, of Liberal, Missouri.

On Friday afternoon, July 9, 2021, at approximately 4:00 PM, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department were dispatched to Regency Inn & Suites, located at 4023 Parkview Dr., in Pittsburg, regarding a report of an armed robbery. The victim reported that Aaron Beard (who was known to the victim) came into the victim’s motel room, brandishing a handgun, which Mr. Beard then pointed at the victim and demanded money from them. The victim reported they did not give Mr. Beard any money, but told him he could take other property from the room if he wanted. The victim reported that Mr. Beard did not take anything, but threatened the victim and then left their room and fled the area in a black, older model, Cadillac DeVille.

On Wednesday afternoon, July 14, 2021, at approximately 2:30 PM, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department were dispatched to LaQuinta Inn & Suites, located at 2410 S. Broadway St., Pittsburg, regarding a report of suspicious activity. The hotel staff reported seeing two people in a pickup on the parking lot acting suspicious.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Mr. Beard and a female subject. Officers recognized Mr. Beard and subsequently took him into custody without incident. The female subject was later released from the scene.

Mr. Beard was arrested for two counts of felony armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, one count of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of felony criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of misdemeanor criminal restraint, and one parole violation arrest warrant from the Missouri Department of Corrections. Mr. Beard was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking, and is currently being held without bond.

The investigation into these robbery incidents is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.