Police Investigate Hilo Attempted Robbery

An attempted robbery in Hilo Wednesday evening is being investigated by the Hawai’i Police Department.

South Hilo Patrol officers responded to an 8:03 p.m. call that led them to the 70 block of Banyan Drive.

A 79-year-old woman reported that she was walking alone on the entrance ramp to a hotel when a man pulled on her purse, causing her to fall to the ground.

The woman held onto her purse and screamed for help as the man dragged her by her purse. The man eventually fled on foot without the purse.

Authorities say the suspected is described as a young “local male.” He was wearing a light-colored shirt, and was last seen on foot heading south on Banyan Drive.

Anyone with information regarding the case should call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

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