Home invasion robbery suspect skips court date

With his alleged accomplices waiting to testify against him next month, a South Kitsap man accused of hog-tying and robbing three people in their home last November skipped a court appearance last week and was still on the run from authorities as of Thursday.

A felony arrest warrant was issued for Dwayne Gregory Lee Hulley, 30, after he failed to show up for a Feb. 5 status hearing in Kitsap Superior Court. Bail was set at $500,000.

Hulley — six feet, 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes — was arrested last December along with Jeremiah James Hicks, 25, and Jeremy Adam Sanford, 26, in connection with an invasion-style robbery of a home on SW Lake Helena Road on Nov. 23.

Hulley’s trial was scheduled to begin March 29.

“Due to the violent nature of the original crime, caution is urged, as Hulley should be considered to be armed,” said Deputy Scott Wilson, spokesman for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the police report, the victims — which included a 5-year-old child — called 911 shortly after 10 a.m. to report that three men forced their way into their house and robbed them at gunpoint after “hog-tying” the adults with handcuffs and “zip ties.”

The robbers reportedly stole an unspecified amount of jewelry, coins and other valuables then allegedly drove off in one of the residents’ 2001 Kia Sportage. The car was found torched and abandoned several hours later on the 9700 block of Phillips Road, just a few blocks from Hulley’s last known address.

According to Kitsap County Deputy Prosecutor Andy Anderson, both Hicks and Sanford recently pleaded guilty to their charges in connection with the crime.

Hicks was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree arson, while Sanford, whom prosecutors believe went inside the house with Hulley, was charged with first-degree robbery with a firearm enhancement, and taking a motor vehicle without permission.

Anderson said Hicks and Sanford have not been sentenced yet, but are in jail waiting to testify against Hulley.

Anyone with information concerning Hulley’s whereabouts are urged to contact the sheriff’s warrant division at 337-4642, or sheriff’s detectives Roger Howerton or Ray Stroble at 337-7101.

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