Police seek suspects who robbed man, broke his jaw

Big Island police are investigating a reported Monday evening robbery of a California man in a downtown Kailua-Kona parking lot.

Around 10:35 p.m., Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a robbery in the rear parking lot of Alii Sunset Plaza, according to the Hawaii Police Department. A 50-year-old Los Angeles man reported he had walked in the direction of a group of men at the rear of the plaza and was attacked by two of them.

According to police, one reportedly struck the man in his chin with an unknown object and took an undisclosed amount of cash while another man reportedly punched him in the face. The suspects then fled in a small white sport utility vehicle.

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

The first suspect, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was described as “local,” between 21 and 25 years old with a short and stocky build and spiked hair, according to police. He was wearing white shorts and a white shirt.

The second suspect, who was the driver of the vehicle, is described as possibly being in his 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a dark complexion and black curly hair, according to police.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the identity of the suspects to call Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, ext. 262. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.