Pāhoa man armed with screwdriver, wrench charged with robbing fast food restaurant

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 35-year-old Rancey Sonny Kawika Lee, of Pāhoa, with various offenses following an armed robbery of a fast food restaurant in a shopping center in Pāhoa.

He was armed with a screwdriver and large wrench, according to witness statements to Puna patrol officers.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. on Jan. 20. Lee, who disguised his face, went behind the counter and made loud verbal demands for money, according to the police.

Lee left empty-handed before police arrived. There were no reported injuries to employees.

Additional responding officers located Lee walking on Pāhoa Village Road, where he was arrested without incident. He was found to be in possession of a pair of scissors and a wrench as described by witnesses.      

He was charge with second-degree robbery, first-degree terroristic threatening and second-degree criminal trespass drug. His bail was set at $36,000.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3331 or Det. Kimo Keliipaakaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2375 or email Kimo.Keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.