Big Island police have charged the 54-year-old Hilo man who was arrested Thursday in connection with a reported robbery in downtown Hilo.
At 5:05 p.m. Friday, Area I Criminal Investigations Section detectives charged John Michael Kapahu with second-degree robbery. His bail was set at $25,000. He was being held at the Hilo police cell block pending his initial appearance scheduled for today, according to the Hawaii County Police Department.
Around 12:03 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the Mooheau bus terminal after receiving a report of a fight. A 32-year-old Hakalau man reported an acquaintance took an undisclosed amount of money from him while at Mooheau Bandstand. When the victim attempted to retrieve the money, the suspect reportedly punched him several times and fled the area. The victim sustained facial injuries. Fire Department medics took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated and later released, police said.
Thursday morning, police arrested Kapahu, who has no permanent address, and held him at the police cell block while Area I Criminal Investigations Section detectives continued the investigation.