Topeka man arrested in connection with Wednesday shooting

Topeka police on Wednesday night arrested a 24-year-old Topeka man in connection with a shooting that occurred early that morning in the 100 block of N.E. Coachlight Drive in North Topeka.

Austin J. Dickey was arrested under suspicion of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, the police department announced in a news release. Police said earlier Wednesday that Dickey was taken into custody after being located in the 400 block of S.E. Rice Road.

According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, Dickey has previously been arrested for crimes that include burglary, criminal threat and theft.

The victim of the shooting was identified as 47-year-old Royal T. St. Clair, of Topeka. St. Clair on Wednesday remained hospitalized in stable but critical condition.

Police spokeswoman Gretchen Koenen said Wednesday that several other people had been detained and the residence was being held for a search warrant.

Around 2 a.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a possible shooting in the 100 block of N.E. Coachlight Drive.

Officers arrived on scene and located St. Clair in a home. St. Clair had been shot and was suffering from life-threatening injuries, according to TPD. He was transported by medical personnel to a local hospital.

Investigation of the incident is ongoing. Police encourage anyone with information regarding this crime to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.