Police seek witnesses to robbery, assault at Hilo mall

Police are requesting the public’s assistance regarding a robbery that occurred Friday, Aug. 30, at approximately 2:30 p.m. at a clothing store in the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.

A female employee reported that a group of approximately four to five young males entered their store, and several of them quickly removed various types of clothing and proceeded to exit the store without paying.

The employee informed them that they needed to pay for the items, but they continued to exit the store, according to police.

The employee contacted one of the suspects outside of the store and attempted to recover the stolen merchandise from the suspect, and he assaulted her.

As the suspect began to walk away with the clothing, the employee grabbed onto the clothing at which time she and the suspect fell to the ground. While on the ground, the female employee reported being assaulted by another male suspect, police said.

A male employee of the store grabbed one of the male suspects who was assaulting the female employee in an attempt to stop any further assault. The male suspect then began assaulting the male employee and eventually tackled him to the ground. While on the ground, the male suspect and another male suspect began kicking the male employee.

Both the female and male employee were taken to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where there were treated for their injuries and released.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya (808) 961-2381 or email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.