Police seek info on Keaau assault

Hawaii Island police are investigating an assault reported today, shortly after noon, within the parking lot of the Keaau shopping center.

Responding officers learned that a 28-year-old Hilo man had been assaulted by a male who fled the scene immediately following the incident. Witnesses described the suspect as being a large Hawaiian male weighing between 250 and 300 pounds. He was last seen running south within the shopping center parking lot where he then got into a sedan, possibly a silver import, and fled in an unknown direction.

The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he is currently being treated.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any other information about it to contact Detective Todd Pataray of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2382 or todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.