Hawai‘i Island police seek public help identifying gas station robbery suspect

Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a male suspect wanted for questioning in a robbery that occurred in Hilo at a gas station on Kamehameha Avenue.

The incident occurred on March 29. When officers responded to the gas station store, the employee informed them that the suspect went into the beverage refrigerators, removed two 12-packs of alcoholic beverages, and exited the store without paying for the items.

The employee confronted the suspect outside the store, however, the suspect refused to return the unpaid items.

The male suspect reportedly assaulted the victim, fleeing the scene on a red bicycle traveling south on Pauahi Street.

The image displayed was captured from a cell phone taken by the victim during the incident and depicts the suspect leaving with the stolen items.

The suspect is a local man, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with dark-colored hair with a heart tattoo on the right side of his face and tattoos on his chest.

The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation. Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at 808-961-2378, or via email at Sybastian.Keltner@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.