Two arrested after alleged armed robbery at Paulding Circle K

PAULDING, Ohio (WLIO) — Two people are in custody following an alleged armed robbery in Paulding.

Kirsten Cox, 18, and Robert Chatman, 21, both of Defiance, were arrested in connection with the robbery. Paulding police say officers were called Wednesday to the Circle K gas station after a black man and a white woman entered the store wearing masks. Investigators say the male suspect displayed a pistol and demanded money.

Police say they identified the suspects' vehicle using residential, business and newly installed Flock Safety cameras. Warrants were issued for both suspects, who were later arrested by the Defiance Police Department.

Cox and Chatman are being held in the Paulding County Jail on $21,000 bonds.

July 16, 2026 press release from the Paulding Police Department: 

On July 15, 2026, the Paulding Police Department responded to the Circle K gas station for the report of an armed robbery. Officers were told by the employee that two subjects entered the business wearing all black and masks. He described them as being a black male and a white female. The male suspect brandished a pistol and demanded all the money. The two suspects then fled on foot. 

With the use of residential, business cameras and the recently installed Flock cameras, officers were able to identify a vehicle used by the suspects. Suspects were later identified as Robert Chatman and Kirsten Cox, both from Defiance, Ohio.

Warrants were obtained for both subjects and they were later arrested by the Defiance Police Department. 

The Paulding Police Department was assisted by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, Defiance Police Department and the Ohio State Patrol.