Police investigating Kona sex assault

Big Island police are investigating a reported sexual assault Wednesday night in Kailua-Kona.

A woman was walking west on Loloku Street in the old industrial area of Kailua-Kona at about 9:30 p.m. when an unknown man grabbed her from behind, punched her, dragged her off the north shoulder of the road and sexually assaulted her, according to the Hawaii Police Department. He then ran mauka on Loloku Street.

Police are looking for anyone who passed the area and saw a struggle on the shoulder of the road near a car dealership or saw a man running in that area. The suspect is described as a local male in his 30s, possibly homeless, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing about 200 pounds with medium-length wavy dark hair.

In addition to the sexual assault, the victim sustained scratches, bruises and facial swelling, according to police.

Anyone with information about this case or anyone who recognizes the person depicted in the composite drawing should call the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Tyson Matsumura at 326-4646, ext. 265, or tmatsumura@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Renee Morinaka at ext. 301 or rmorinaka@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.