Arrest Made In Kirkwood Highway Smoke Shop Robbery

Delaware State Police have arrested a 37-year-old Milford man in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday evening.

Officials said on December 12, 2023, at approximately 7:55 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Apollo Smoke Shop, located at 3613 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington. A preliminary investigation showed that an unidentified white male suspect, later identified as Robert Burns, approached an employee in the store. Brandishing a handgun from his waistband, Burns demanded the employee empty the cash register p[olice said. After the victim complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money, Burns fled on foot.

On December 15, 2023, the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit learned of Burns’ whereabouts and apprehended him in the parking lot of the Kent County Courthouse in Dover. Burns was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with Robbery First Degree (Felony) and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $120,000 cash bond.