Hawai‘i Island police seek public help identifying burglary suspect

Hawai‘i Island police is seeking the public’s help in identifying a burglary suspect.

On May 3, at about 3:12 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a business establishment located on the 500 block of West Kawailani Street, in Hilo, for a burglary alarm.

During their investigation, officers determined that between 3:08 a.m. and 3:17 a.m., a suspect broke into the business by prying open the rear door with a crowbar. Once inside, the suspect attempted to break into an ATM by pulling off the front cover and hitting the lower door of the machine with the crowbar.

As police arrived in the area, the suspect fled the scene by running out of the rear door and was last seen heading west on foot. Officers conducted checks in the surrounding neighborhoods, however, no suspects were located.

Police have released images of the suspect captured by the business video surveillance system.

Those with information regarding this crime or the suspect’s identity may contact Detective Christopher Jelsma at 808-961-2386 or christopher.jelsma@hawaiicounty.gov or the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

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