Attempt Car Theft at UH-Hilo Being Investigated

An attempted car theft at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo is being investigated by the Hawai’i Police Department.

Authorities responding to a 9:35 p.m. call met a 20-year-old man in a parking lot at UH-Hilo. The victim told police that as he approached his parked sports-utility vehicle, he saw a male suspect inside attempting to steal it.

Once the victim got closer, the suspect exited the SUV and entered the passenger side of a truck parked next to it. The victim reportedly attempted to restrain the suspect, who then assaulted the victim.

The truck exited the parking lot and was last seen traveling west on Kawili Street.

Police say the victim sustained minor injuries during the incident but declined medical treatment.

HPD is investigating the incident as an attempted second-degree robbery.

The suspect has been described as a Caucasian male who is about 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-9 and at least 200 pounds. He has a heavy build and a fair complexion. In addition, he was wearing pants and t-shirt over a black long-sleeved shirt and had his face partially concealed.

The driver of the truck was described as a thin Caucasian male.

Police say the truck was described as an older model foreign make two-wheel-drive pickup truck that was light in color with a dark bed. .

Video surveillance from nearby locations and buildings is being checked by detectives investigating the case.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects or any other details about the case should call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Robert Almeida directly by calling 961-2386 or e-mailing Robert.almeida@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.