Media release from Hawaii County Police

Big Island police are investigating the robbery of a California man Monday night (October 15) in Kona.

At 10:35 p.m., Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a robbery in the rear parking lot of Aliʻi Sunset Plaza, which is located between Kuakini Highway and Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona.

A 50-year-old Los Angeles man reported that he walked in the direction of a group of males at the rear of the plaza, where he was attacked by two of them. One reportedly struck him in the chin with an unknown object and removed an undisclosed amount of cash from his pants pocket. The other one reportedly struck him in the face with his fist.

The suspects left the area in a small white sports-utility vehicle.

The first suspect, the passenger, was described as a short and stocky local male between 21 and 25 years old with spiked hair. He was wearing white shorts and a white shirt. The second suspect, the driver, is described as 5-foot-10, thin, possibly in his 20s, with a dark complexion and black curly hair.

The victim suffered a broken jaw, loss of teeth and a laceration to his chin. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the identity of the suspects call Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, extension 262.

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.