Police Investigating Robbery of Hitchhiker in Kona

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two suspects in a robbery that occurred in Kona late last month.

The victim, a 27-year-old Kailua-Kona man, told police he was hitchhiking at the intersection of Palani Road and Henry Street at 2:20 a.m. on June 27 when he was picked up by two men in a dark Jeep Cherokee.

Near the intersection of Highway 190 and Loloa Drive, the jeep pulled onto an access road to a Department of Water Supply pump station.

The driver then exited the vehicle, went to the rear passenger door armed with a knife and robbed the victim of an undisclosed amount of cash.

As the victim walked away from the Jeep, he was attacked by the driver, resulting in a stab wound to his right arm and a laceration on his chest.

The victim was able to flee the area and call 911, and was taken to Kona Community Hospital.

Following a lengthy recovery, the victim worked with a police department forensic artist to produce composite sketches of the suspects.

The driver was described as a local male in his early 30s, 6-feet tall and about 200 pounds.

The Jeep’s passenger, who was seen only from the rear, was described as a heavy-set local male with long hair in a pony tail that had several dark bands.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Det. Levon Stevens at 326-4646, ext. 275, or lstevens@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.