Wichita Police Department

Chief Sullivan stopped by the annual Show and Shine Car Show yesterday at Wichita State University!

There were plenty of cool cars on display, including one of our favorites — WPD’s very own lowrider. 🚔

It was a great day to connect with the community and enjoy some incredible cars!

Chief Joe Sullivan was honored to join the St. Paul AME Church family this morning as they celebrated the Rev. Dr. Pamela Myrtis Hughes and recognized her service as a pastor and community leader.

Pastor Pam’s impact reaches well beyond the walls of the church. Her leadership, compassion and commitment to Wichita have touched many lives and helped strengthen our community.

Congratulations, Pastor Pam, and thank you for your continued leadership and service to Wichita.

This morning, members of the Wichita Police Department joined Chief Joe Sullivan at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the annual Blue Mass honoring law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders who serve our community.

We’re grateful to Bishop Carl Kemme for the invitation and the opportunity to worship alongside members of the congregation and fellow first responders.

Thank you for taking time to recognize those who serve and for keeping Wichita’s first responders and their families in your prayers.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY:

The Wichita Police Department is aware of a social media post showing officers near Rock Island Live in Old Town that includes inaccurate information about why officers were present and why additional resources were requested.

To provide accurate information and additional context, WPD is releasing video showing several fights and disturbances that occurred within minutes of one another that evening.

The Boosie concert at Wave drew approximately 2,000 attendees. Officers made one arrest at the concert after an attendee assaulted a security officer inside the venue. That incident is documented under case number 26C171020. No other arrests were made.

The police response shown in the social media photo occurred later in Old Town and was not related to the concert or the demographic makeup of those who attended.

WPD regularly staffs a weekend detail in Old Town as part of our public safety efforts in the entertainment district. Following a homicide in Old Town on Labor Day in 2025, the department expanded that approach to holidays. WPD now staffs holiday details in Old Town, similar to our weekend operations, to ensure officers and resources are available when larger crowds and increased activity are anticipated.

Later that evening, an officer working in WPD’s Real Time Information Center observed a disturbance between two women near Sin City using the department’s drone. That incident is documented under case number 26C172161.

The drone also observed a fight in front of Rock Island Live within a crowd of approximately 300 people. Officers were directed to the area, and another fight occurred near the same location shortly afterward. That incident is documented under case number 26C172186.

Mounted Unit officers responded, and the lieutenant on scene gave repeated verbal commands directing people in the area to disperse. When some individuals refused commands to leave, additional officers were requested from patrol bureaus across the city to safely disperse the crowd, prevent further disturbances and reduce the likelihood of additional fights elsewhere in Old Town.

The drone video also shows a large line outside Rock Island Live. At the time, the establishment was not admitting additional patrons and appeared to be at capacity. WPD asked the establishment to close its doors if it was no longer admitting patrons so officers could more effectively disperse the crowd outside. The establishment did not initially comply with the request but later closed its doors.

As officers continued working to disperse the crowd, additional fights and disturbances occurred in other areas of Old Town, requiring officers to respond to those locations as well.

During the response, Wichita police officers made 11 arrests related to failure to disperse. One individual being taken into custody reported a medical issue. That individual was issued a Notice to Appear at the scene and transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.

Despite the size of the crowd, multiple fights and individuals refusing commands to disperse, officers were able to manage the crowd through officer presence and verbal direction without using force to disperse the crowd.

WPD’s priority and responsibility are public safety. Our staffing and operational decisions are based on current conditions, previous incidents, and the resources necessary to safely manage large crowds and respond when problems arise.

When photos or information shared online create an inaccurate impression of why officers were present or why additional resources were requested, we have a responsibility to provide accurate information and context. When appropriate, we will also share video that allows the community to see the circumstances officers were responding to and better understand the decisions made to protect public safety.

***UPDATE ***
Josue has been located safe. Thank you for your assistance.