MEDIA RELEASE

Composite sketch of attempted robbery suspect

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred in Hilo on October 31.

At about 8 p.m. on that date, police responded to the Waiākea Villas after receiving a report from a 49-year-old Hilo man that while walking in the complex toward his vehicle in the parking lot, he was accosted by a man who brandished a weapon and demanded money. After the victim refused the demand, the suspect fled the area. The victim was not injured in the robbery attempt.

The suspect is described as a local male in his late 20s, about 5-foot-10, about 200 pounds with a light mustache. He was wearing a black T-shirt, dark shorts and a cap embroidered with the words “BJ Penn.”

Police are releasing a composite drawing of the suspect with hope that someone will recognize him. Anyone who may know the identity of the suspect or who has any information on this incident is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or to contact Detective Dean Uyetake at 961-2379 or deuytetake@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.