Big Island police investigating robbery, beating near UH-Hilo
Advertiser Staff
HILO — Hawaii County police say a man and woman were robbed early Tuesday morning and the man beaten with what might have been a baseball bat.
The incident took place on Kapiolani Street below the University of Hawaii-Hilo campus between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Police say the man, 21, and woman, 20, were walking when they were confronted by three males who demanded money.
The male victim was struck by an object, possibly a baseball bat, and knocked to the ground. One of the assailants bent over him and cut the straps of his backpack to remove it.
Another one demanded money from the woman. She handed him an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police say the robbers left in a white two-door sedan with a loud muffler. They were last seen heading east on Lanikaula Street.
All three suspects are described as about 5 feet 10 and 150 pounds with medium builds. They were wearing black hooded sweaters or jackets and had bandanas covering their faces. One was possibly carrying an aluminum baseball bat and a knife.
Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information on this case call Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua at 961-2252 or the Police Department's non-emergency line at 935-3311. 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.