Bank robbery suspect Monlux nabbed

KAILUA-KONA — Police arrested Russell Monlux, a man wanted in connection with a Kealakekua bank robbery, on Wednesday.

Police said in a release late Wednesday night that Monlux was arrested by Kona Airport without incident, and is being held at the Kona Police Station Cellblock pending further investigation.

On the afternoon of the robbery, employees at American Savings Bank reported that a man entered the bank and passed a note to a teller demanding cash, before fleeing on foot.

The suspect was reportedly wearing a blue shirt, blue and white surf shorts, slippers and glasses. He was previously described by police as barefoot.

An investigator at the scene said the robber claimed to have a weapon, but didn’t brandish one.

The suspect then allegedly made off with an undisclosed amount of money. Police added that nobody was injured during the incident.

An investigation and tip from the public led police to identify the suspect as Monlux, 30.

Monlux, police said in a statement, doesn’t have a permanent address, but frequents both East and West Hawaii.

Bank robberies are rare in West Hawaii. A search for records showed the last reported bank robbery in Kona happened on Christmas Eve in 2003, when a male suspect robbed a Bank of Hawaii branch in Keauhou.

Anyone with information about this incident should call police at 935-3311 or detective David Matsushima at 326-4646, ext. 224.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the island’s Crime Stoppers at 961-8300. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID.