HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
WEST HAWAII CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
DETECTIVE NANCY HAITSUKA
PHONE: 326-4227
SEPTEMBER 22, 2003
H-64118
MEDIA RELEASE
Two visitors from Tokyo, Japan, were attacked and one was robbed Sunday night (September 21, 2003) in front of a resort condominium in Waikoloa, South Kohala.
South Kohala patrol officers determined that the two women, one 21 and the other 32, were walking back from dinner toward their condominium about 8 p.m. when they were approached by two males.
One suspect – described as “fat” local male and wearing jeans, a loose white T-shirt and a black wool beanie – grabbed the 21-year-old’s purse and tried to take it from her. The woman had a purse strap over one shoulder and put up a struggle before the suspect got the purse away from her.
At the same time, the 32-year-old victim was approached by the second male, described as “skinny” and possibly a teenager, who grabbed her waist pack, which was fastened to her waist. The pack held tight and the woman fell to the ground.
Both suspects then ran to a nearby small compact car, described being dark-colored and having an orange stripe on the lower half of both doors, and escaped.
The 21-year-old woman suffered a sore neck and abrasions to the left side of her face; the 32-year-old, a small scratch to her right hand.
South Kohala initiated a robbery and attempted robbery investigation into the incident, and West Hawaii Criminal Investigation Section detectives have taken over the investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the robbers is asked to call Detective Nancy Haitsuka at 326-4227 or police non-emergency number at 935-3311.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. The numbers are answered 24 hours a day. Callers will be given a coded number and their identity will remain anonymous. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if their call leads to an arrest, indictment or the recovery of property. Crime Stoppers neither subscribes to “Caller ID,” nor does it record phone calls.
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