Hilo man charged in shoplifting incident

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Edward Higa, a 35-year-old man from Hilo, has been brought up on five charges stemming from a shoplifting incident that occured at a shopping mall on June 23.

Edward Higa, a 35-year-old man from Hilo, has been brought up on five charges stemming from a shoplifting incident that occured at a shopping mall on June 23.

Hawaii Island police opened an investigation after Higa reportedly shoplifted clothing from a department store on East Puainako Street in Hilo. Upon being confronted by employees outside the store, Higa reportedly fled by car and struck a 19-year-old female employee in the process, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The employee suffered minor injuries.

Police arrested Higa Tuesday morning, charging him with second-degree robbery, third-degree theft, reckless endangering, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury and driving without a license.

Higa’s bail was set at $29,000 and his first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.