MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department Criminal Investigation Section is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in an assault and robbery incident that occurred at Ahalanui Beach Park parking lot in Pohiki, Puna, at around midnight on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

The victim reported being punched by one suspect causing the victim to fall to the ground. The victim was then kicked numerous times to the head and body by both suspects. During the assault, one of the suspects removed the victim’s wallet from the victim’s back pocket. The victim sustained head, facial and rib injuries.

Some of the contents of the victim’s wallet were returned to the victim after the assault by an unidentified person.

Police ask that anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident call Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua of the Hawai’i Police Department Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2252 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.