Elderly man assaulted during attempted robbery in a Kona parking lot, police say

Hawai’i Island police are investigating an incident over the weekend at Kona Aquatics Center where a 70-year-old man was reportedly assaulted and cut on the neck in an attempted robbery.

Kona Patrol Officers were called to the pool on Sunday at 5:13 p.m. on a report that a male suffered visible injuries to his head and neck. The victim reported that while in the parking lot of the Kona Aquatic Center, he was approached by an unknown male who was holding a knife and demanding that the victim give him his wallet.

When the victim refused, the suspect struck him on the head with a closed fist and cut his neck with the knife causing a 12-centimeter laceration. The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was reported to be stable.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation and are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

No photo or sketch was provided, however, the suspect is described as a man of Hawaiian descent, approximately 35 years old, 5 feet 7 to 8 inches tall and 150 pounds.

The man wore a dark-colored t-shirt with unknown gray decals/writing on the front and knee-length shorts. The unknown suspect was also described as having short hair shaved near the ears, no facial hair, dark skin and speaking with a pidgin accent.

Police ask anyone with information pertaining to this incident to call the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311; or Acting Detective Joel Furuto at 808-326-4646, ext. 281; or via email at [email protected].

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