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Purse snatching 04-18-12

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigation Section Area I
Lieutenant Gregory Esteban
Phone: 961-2252
Report No. C12010502

Media Release

Big Island police are investigating a reported robbery in Hilo on Tuesday night (April 17).

At about 5:39 p.m. Tuesday, South Hilo patrol officers responded to a report of a purse snatching in Downtown Hilo. They learned that an 86-year-old Hilo woman had been walking along Haili Street near a movie theater when an unknown male pushed her from behind—causing her to fall—and stole her purse.

The victim sustained minor injuries but declined treatment.

The suspect is described as about 5-feet tall, approximately 130 pounds with a medium build and short black hair. He was wearing a tan shirt with orange rectangular designs, and possibly blue jeans.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation into this incident, which is classified as a second-degree robbery.

Police ask that anyone with information on the identity of the suspect or anyone who may have witnessed the robbery contact either Detective Grant Todd by phone at 961-2385 or by email at gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Joel Field by phone at 961-2381 or by email at jfield@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.