Delaware State Police have arrested an alleged serial masked shotgun robber suspected in eleven armed robberies over the past three months, investigators announced today.
Robert Hanulik, 53, of Newark, is charged with robbery, conspiracy and weapons charges. He is in custody on a $905,000 bond, but is currently hospitalized for observation due to an undisclosed medical condition.
Police said Hanulik robbed four gas stations and convenience stores on July 25, a beer distributor on Aug. 20, three different liquor stores on Aug. 28, Sept. 3 and Sept. 10 and three businesses – two convenience stores and one liquor store – in the span of 45 minutes on Tuesday.
After the final robbery, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m. at the Valero ShoreStop in Newark, investigators said a state trooper on patrol saw a man running from the area of the Valero and hopping into a Hyundai Accent. After engaging the car in a high-speed chase, troopers lost sight of the vehicle and later found it abandoned in the side yard of a home.
They continued to search the area and, as a result of several tips, allegedly caught up with Hanulik in the Whispering Pines development, where he was taken into custody. Police said a search of the Hyundai turned up a black mask and shotgun ammunition consistent with those used in the robberies, though the gun itself has not yet been recovered.
Guard.
Also charged arrested was Hanulik’s girlfriend, Heather Guard, 31, who was allegedly a passenger in the getaway car following at least one of the robberies. She is charged with robbery, conspiracy and weapons charges and jailed on $52,000 bond.
