Hilo Man Robbed While on Early Morning Walk

Big Island police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred early Wednesday morning near a convenience store in the upper Kaumana Drive area.

It was third incident of someone being accosted by someone brandishing a firearm in the past week in Hilo.

The most recent case involved a 41-year-old Hilo man out on his morning walk. He told police that at about 4:30 a.m., he was approached by two men standing near a car at the intersection of Kaumana Drive and the Puainako Avenue extension.

As one of the suspects asked the man a question, the other allegedly struck him on the head from behind, rendering him temporarily unconscious. As he came to, the victim saw one of the suspects allegedly brandishing a firearm.

At that point a car passed the group and the victim fled into the bushes, but not before his wallet with an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.

One suspect was described as a possible local male with a slightly muscular build. The second may have been Micronesian, between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-7, with a dark complexion. He was wearing a black shirt and sliver shorts with what appeared to be a dragon design.

Police have classified the case as first-degree robbery and first-degree terroristic threatening.

The victim was treated for injuries at the scene and released.

Police ask that anyone with information about the incident call Det. Grant Todd at 961-2385 or by email at gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us.