Hawai‘i Island police renew request for help in identifying suspects in Kona robbery

Detectives with Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section are renewing their request for the public’s help in identifying three suspects involved in an early morning robbery in Kailua-Kona.

A higher-quality image of the composite sketch of the main suspect in the incident was released.

On Feb. 27 at 4:25 a.m., Kona patrol officers responded to a reported robbery in the 75-5900 block of Ali‘i Drive. Officers determined that a 43-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman visiting from California were confronted by three unknown males in a vehicle who demanded money from the couple.

When the male victim said he had no money, one of the suspects exited the vehicle, tried to assault him, and stole his cell phone as the female victim ran and called police. The suspects then fled the area in an older model, darker-colored sports utility vehicle. The victim did not suffer any injuries.

According to the male victim, all three suspects were young adults with average builds who wore black clothing and black ski masks. A composite sketch was created for the suspect who tried to assault the California visitor.

He is described as darker skinned, 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a thin, dark wiry mustache.

The second and third suspects are described as 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and were both noticeably heavier than the man who attempted to assault the visitor. A composite sketch is only available for suspect number one.

A previous release on Feb. 29, listed the incorrect block of Ali‘i Drive. The correct location of this incident was in the 75-5900 block of Ali‘i Drive.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who resides in the area and may have video surveillance footage is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at 808-960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.