Media Release (update)

The Hawaii Police Department is renewing its request for information about a man who robbed a 75-year-old taxi driver Saturday afternoon (March 28).

The suspect picked up the taxi at Waiākea Center in Hilo between Borders Books and Island Naturals around 2 p.m. He was seen in that general area earlier and may have been in the vicinity from 11:15 a.m. until 2 p.m.

He is described as Caucasian or possibly Portuguese, clean shaven, in his 20s to early 30s, approximately 5-foot-7, with a thin build, a fair complexion and short, brown hair. He had a white bandage or a piece of white tape over one of his eyebrows and spoke using pidgin.

The taxi driver reported that he was dispatched to pick up a customer there and take him to Ihope Road in Mountain View. While traveling on North Kulani Road, the suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded the driver’s wallet, cell phone and cash. While still at gunpoint, the victim was directed to drive to the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in lower Puna. After dropping off the robber in an area of 14th Avenue, the victim drove to the Kea’au police station and reported the robbery.

Police ask anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or any other information about this case to call Detective Robert Fujitake at 961-2377 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-3800 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers calls are kept confidential.