Big Island police are investigating a robbery of a convenience store on Kekela Street in Hilo.
Big Island police are investigating a robbery of a convenience store on Kekela Street in Hilo.
South Hilo patrol officers responded to a 1:08 p.m. Tuesday call from a Minit Stop employee who reported a male suspect entered the establishment, claimed he had a firearm, demanded cash, and fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise. A firearm was not seen during the incident.
According to the Hawaii Police Department, a customer followed the male suspect who exited the store, running in the west direction towards Kilauea Avenue, where he was seen entering a “beat up” black early model Mercedes four-door sedan, bearing license plate PSJ-088. The parked suspect vehicle was struck by another vehicle in a private parking lot before exiting and traveling in the south direction on Kilauea Avenue. The customer continued following the black Mercedes onto Route 11 as it sped southbound however lost sight of it in traffic.
Area I Criminal Investigation Division investigators responded to the scene and conducted checks along Route 11 as well as into the Puna District. Detectives and evidence specialists recovered articles of clothing and merchandise that was apparently discarded by the male suspect as he fled the store on foot. In addition, video surveillance footage was recovered from the store. The employee was not physically injured during the robbery, police said.
Area I Criminal Investigations Section detectives are continuing this investigation, which is classified as a first-degree robbery and are seeking 36-year-old Hilo resident Kelly Marie Brightbill for questioning in connection to this robbery. She is also wanted for an outstanding warrant. Brightbill, who also uses the alias of Kali Lee Simpson, is described as being about 5-foot-10, weighing about 125 to 130 pounds, and having a slim build, green eyes, fair complexion, and medium length straight hair that is dyed reddish pink or purple.
Detectives are also asking for the public’s assistance in locating the robbery suspect, who was described as a Caucasian male, possibly in his early to mid 20s, about 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-7, weighing about 125 to 130 pounds, and having a slim build and shoulder length blond hair. Detectives are also asking for assistance in locating the 1995 black Mercedes four-door sedan with license plate PSJ-088.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident at the Minit Stop or the fender bender in the Kai Store parking lot at the intersection of Kilauea Avenue and Puainako Street should call Detective Joel Field of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2382 or email at jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.