A Kona man has been charged with kidnapping and other offenses in connection with a robbery last week in Kailua-Kona. A Kona man has been charged with kidnapping and other offenses in connection with a robbery last week in Kailua-Kona.
A Kona man has been charged with kidnapping and other offenses in connection with a robbery last week in Kailua-Kona.
On Feb. 17, Kona patrol officers responded to a reported robbery at an apartment in the 75-5000 block of Lamaokeola Street in Kailua-Kona.
Police received information that a 37-year-old male resident had been visiting with a 36-year-old male friend when a male acquaintance and another man arrived uninvited brandishing a handgun and a machete. The intruders held down the two suspects, assaulted them, demanded money and marijuana and then fled on foot after taking the occupant’s wallet and 10 grams of marijuana.
The occupant sustained minor cuts and scrapes to his hand and forehead. His visitor sustained redness and pain around his left eye. Both men declined medical treatment.
Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation.
On Feb. 20, police arrested the acquaintance, 25-year-old Alihilani Stringert of Kailua-Kona, for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle in an unrelated case and took him to the Kona police cellblock. While he was in custody, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Section arrested him at 4:07 p.m. in connection with the robbery and continued the investigation.
At 2 p.m. on Feb. 22, Stringert was charged with kidnapping, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, second-degree theft, two counts of first-degree robbery and two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He remained at the cellblock until his initial court appearance Monday (February 25).
The second suspect is still at large. Police ask anyone who knows his identity or has any additional information about this case to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Jason Berryhill at 326-4646, ext. 275. Detective Berryhill also may be reached by email at jberryhill@co.hawaii.hi.us.
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.
