Suspect in auto parts store robbery in Hilo officially charged

A man from Mountain View was officially charged following a robbery at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Hilo.

Raul La‘a, 34, made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Thursday where the judge maintained bail at $140,000 and ordered him to reappear for a preliminary hearing on April 7.

Charges stem from the incident that occurred on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Along with first-degree robbery, a class A felony, La‘a is also facing second-degree assault and habitual property crime, both of which are class C felonies.

According to Hawai‘i Island police, La‘a was caught by an employee taking several items in the store, putting them in a backpack and attempting to leave without paying.

La‘a reportedly threatened the employee with a knife, injuring them before leaving the business.

If convicted on the robbery charge, La‘a could face up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, the class C felonies each carry a maximum penalty of a 5-year prison term.