Police yesterday arrested a Kalihi man as a suspect in three separate robbery investigations including a Waikiki purse-snatching involving two visitors from Japan.

The man, 18, was arrested at his Linapuni Street apartment at 8:24 a.m. He was eventually booked for two counts of first-degree robbery in connection with the holdups of a Shell gas/convenience store in Waipahu and a Jack In The Box restaurant.

The suspect also faces two second-degree robbery charges in connection with an early morning purse-snatching on the 2300 block of Kuhio Avenue involving two women from Japan.

Police were able to identify the suspect based on information provided from the purse-snatching on the getaway car used in the robbery.

A second man, 25, was arrested by police on Linapuni Street at 8:40 a.m. on two outstanding misdemeanor warrants of $250 and $200 at 8:40 a.m. for investigation of first-degree burglary.

MAN FACES THEFT, WEAPON CHARGES

Prosecutors yesterday charged a 22-year-old man arrested Tuesday on suspicion of operating a stolen moped and being in possession of a pistol.

Jonah K. Featheran was charged via information, a process in which probable-cause arrest information presented by prosecutors has already been approved by a judge. Featheran was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle on special guidelines adopted in 2003 in which auto-theft suspects are charged immediately.

The pistol was discovered in the compartment of the moped. Police learned the moped was stolen after stopping Featheran for a traffic violation at 3:40 p.m. fronting 596 Keolu Drive.