Man arrested in connection to Elkhart gas station armed robbery

Elkhart County Jail

ELKHART, Ind. -- A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection to an armed robbery that happened at the Phillips 66 gas station on S. Main Street in Elkhart back on Sept. 18, the Elkhart Police Department announced Tuesday. 

On Sept. 25, EPD officers arrested 44-year-old Adam Hoopingarner and on Sept. 30, the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges of Attempted Armed Robbery against Hoopingarner in Elkhart Circuit Court.

"EPD was able to positively identify the subject after requesting and receiving tips from the public," officers said.

Court documents indicate that around 12:22 a.m. on Sept. 18, officers were dispatched to 2400 S Main St. in reference to a robbery in progress.

"Employees reported that an unknown male subject entered the gas station, pointed a long gun, and demanded more gas. The male subject then left the scene before police arrival.," EPD officers said. "The EPD obtained surveillance footage of the male suspect and the vehicle that left the scene and shared these images with the public in an attempt to identify the suspect."

That campaign was successful and EPD identified Hoopingarner and arrested him on Sept. 25 in the area of E Hively and Morton Avenues.

His bond is set at $150,000.

"The EPD again thanks members of the public who submitted tips," EPD officers said. "Please be advised that under Indiana law an individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."