Hilo man facing charges after reportedly brandishing a knife at a KTA security guard

A man from Hilo is facing an array of charges after a robbery at the KTA on Puainako Street in Hilo.

Andrew Smith, 36, was charged with first-degree robbery; first-degree terroristic threatening; shoplifting, place to keep ammunition; ownership, possession or control of ammunition prohibited; and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 30. According to court documents, Storseth was seen entering the grocery store at 3:40 p.m. and went on to grab multiple items and put them in a green backpack. The items totaled $105.80.

Storseth eventually purchased a Gatorade and went to leave when the security guard stopped him about 10 to 15 feet outside the store informing him he needed to return the items.

Court documents indicate that Storseth made a lunging motion with his hand at the security guard, who reportedly saw a 3-inch blade in his right hand. The security guard told police the suspect stated: “I’ll stick you!”

After the encounter, Storseth reportedly ran from the area toward the Minit Stop on Kekela Street.

At 4:30 p.m. the same day, Hawai‘i Island police saw a man matching Storseth’s description running from the bushes area in between Puainako and Maka‘ala Streets. Officers located the suspect at the old Sears, where he was arrested without incident.

Storseth did make a statement to police saying he didn’t remove any items from KTA and that pulled the knife out to scare the security to “further stop him from assaulting him.”

During a search of the backpack, court documents indicate that officers recovered two glass cylindrical tubes with a bulbous end. Within the bulbous ends was a burnt crystalline residue, which tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Also, within the green backpack, officers recovered plastic packets that also appeared to have meth in them.

The KTA merchandise and knife were not located.

Storseth made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday morning. His bail was maintained at $194,000 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday where the judge found enough evidence to move the case forward to Circuit Court.

During this afternoon’s hearing, the judge reduced Storseth’s bail to $100,000. The 36-year-old is slated to appear for an arraignment and plea in Circuit Court on June 17.

The most serious offense Storseth is facing is the robbery charge, which is a class A felony and carries a penalty of a 20-year prison term. The ammunition charge is a class B felony and carries a penalty of a 10-year prison term.

Prosecutors have provided notice that if Storseth is convicted as charged, the Defendant may be subject to a mandatory prison term and not be eligible for probation.