HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS SECTION
CAPTAIN LARRY WEBER
PHONE: 961-2251
NOVEMBER 10, 2006
REPORT NO. C06035049

MEDIA RELEASE

Police are looking for a 38-year-old Kailua-Kona man suspected of committing a series of robberies in East Hawaii.

On November 8, 2006, at about 2:50 a.m., an unknown man entered Ken's House of Pancakes in Hilo and forcibly removed an undisclosed amount of currency from the cash register before fleeing in a vehicle.     

Also on November 8, 2006, at about 7:47 p.m., an unknown man entered Malama Market in Pahoa. Upon having the register opened, he forcibly removed an undisclosed amount of currency before fleeing from the area, possibly in a dark colored compact sedan.

On November 9, 2006, at about 7:10 p.m., an unknown male entered KTA Superstores on Puainako Avenue in Hilo and attempted to forcibly remove currency from a register. However, he was unsuccessful and subsequently fled the area.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Section conducted follow-up interviews with witnesses, who identified Robert Lee Willis as the responsible subject in all three robberies.

Robert Lee Willis is also known as "Lee Willis" and is described as an African American male, about 6-foot-3, about 215 pounds, with brown eyes, a shaved head and a clean-shaven face.  He may be in the company of a female acquaintance and an infant and he may be operating a dark-colored early-model Honda or Acura 2-door sedan.

Although no weapons were observed, Willis said he had a knife on his person. Therefore, he is considered dangerous. Police caution the public against approaching him.

Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police.  Individuals with information about the robberies are asked to call Detective Richard Sherlock of the Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2379. 

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.

# # #