Woman charged in Hilo ATM robbery

A 30-year-old Puna woman is facing a robbery charge after allegedly attacking a woman while she withdrew money from a automated teller machine in Hilo.

Chasia-Rose Z.K. Palma was arrested Saturday after South Hilo patrol officers responded to a reported assault at a bank on the 600 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo. According to the Hawaii Police Department, Palma attacked a woman from behind as she was withdrawing money from an ATM.

“After punching the victim numerous times, knocking her to the ground, and repeatedly kicking her, the suspect forcefully removed an undisclosed amount of money from the victim, and then left the area on foot,” a prepared statement from the department reads.

Witnesses were able to provide police with a description of the suspect, who was located a short time later on Kinoole Street, near Kukuau Street. Palma was arrested without incident.

On Saturday evening, Palma was charged with a single count of second-degree robbery. Bail was set at $25,000 pending an initial court appearance Monday.

During that hearing, Hilo District Court Judge Jeffrey Hawk maintained bail at $25,000 and set a preliminary hearing for Wednesday.

Police remind the public to always be aware of their surroundings when using an ATM, noting mirrors are often posted to help people see behind them while banking at an ATM. The public is also advised not to display any cash or personal identification numbers.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or may have been a victim of theft or fraud, should report it immediately to the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311.