May 1st Puna Robbery Under Investigation

Big Island police are investigating a May 1st robbery in Puna.

At 3:37 a.m. Puna patrol officers received a report that a 43-year-old Pāhoa man had been at a 24-hour convenience store in Pāhoa at around 2 a.m. when an acquaintance parked in the area offered him a ride home.

The victim accepted the ride and was driven to an area off of Kaohe Homestead Road in Pāhoa. There the suspect reportedly assaulted him and removed undisclosed items. The suspect and two other men entered an early model dark green Nissan Pathfinder and drove from the area.

The victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment.

The incident is classified as: a second-degree robbery; second-degree terroristic threatening and first-degree burglary.

Wanted for questioning in connection with this investigation is Kale Thomas Ramangmou. The suspect is described as a 19-year-old Pāhoa man. He is Filipino, about 5’2”, about 140 pounds with a stocky build, a tan complexion, short black hair and brown eyes.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident contact Detective Ernest Matsumoto Jr. at 961-2378 or ematsumoto@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or dmorimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Those with information who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by citizens who want to improve community safety. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID.

All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.