Police Investigating Hilo Attempted Robbery

A Tuesday morning attempted robbery in Hilo is under investigation.

The Hawai’i Police Department responded to an incident in the area of Leilani Street and Kanoelehua Avenue after a report was received that a woman was yelling for assistance shortly after midnight.

A masked male suspect reportedly attempted to rob an employee of Minit Stop. but fled after residents in the area came to assist the employee.

HPD learned that as the 53-year-old female employee was accosted by the male suspect, who demanded money before forcing her into her vehicle. He then entered the vehicle and forced her to drive from the store after he brandished an edged weapon.

The female victim drove a short distance, but was able to get the attention of nearby residents.

Authorities say the male suspect exited the vehicle and was last seen fleeing on foot in the north direction on Kalanikoa Street.

Officers who conducted checks in the area were able to recover evidence believed to have been discarded by the suspect. Police have also recovered video surveillance from the store.

The female victim did not sustain any physical injuries during this incident, which is being classified as an attempted first degree robbery, first degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and kidnapping.

Police say the suspect is described as a local male in his late teens or early 20’s, approximately 5 foot-6 inches tall and about 150 pounds with dark colored shoulder length hair. He was last seen wearing a dark colored long sleeve shirt and long shorts.

Anyone with information about this incident or who may know the identity of the suspect should contact Detective Dean Uyetake by calling 961-2379 or e-mailing dean.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov..

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