Police investigate Hilo robbery

Big Island police are investigating a reported armed robbery Wednesday morning in Hilo.

Shortly after 6 a.m., police responded to a convenience store in the upper Kaumana Drive area, where a 41-year-old Hilo man reported that while on his morning walk at around 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, according to the Hawaii Police Department. While one of the suspects asked the victim a question, the other suspect reportedly struck him on the head from behind.

After regaining consciousness, the victim reportedly saw one of the suspects brandishing a firearm, according to police. As an approaching vehicle passed, the victim fled into the bushes.

One of the suspects is described as being possibly “local” with a slightly muscular build, according to police. The second suspect is described as possibly being of Micronesian descent, about 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall with a dark complexion. He was described as wearing a black shirt and silver shorts with what appeared to be a dragon design on it.

The car was described as an older model, light-colored foreign sedan, according to police.

The victim’s wallet and an undisclosed amount of cash were reportedly taken during the incident, which is classified as a first-degree robbery and first-degree terroristic threatening, according to police. Hawaii Fire Department personnel treated the victim at the scene for nonlife-threatening injuries and then released him.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have information on the identity of the suspects or the responsible vehicle call Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or email him at gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.