Police arrest woman in Kona in connection with Hilo robbery

Hawaii Island police early Thursday arrested a woman in Kona sought for questioning in connection with the robbery of a Hilo convenience store on Tuesday.

At 3:10 a.m., Kona patrol officers arrested Kelly Marie Brightbill in the Kalaoa area while investigating a suspicious vehicle call, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Brightbill was wanted for questioning in connection with the robbery of a convenience store off Kekela Street.

Brightbill was arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery, an unrelated third degree theft and contempt of court. She is being held in the Kona cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continue the investigation.

Police also arrested the driver of the black Mercedes, a 26 year-old Hilo man, for unrelated traffic offenses. The Mercedes was also recovered by the police.

Detectives continue to ask for the public’s assistance in locating the robbery suspect, who was described as a Caucasian man, possibly in his early to mid 20s, about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing about 125 to 130 pounds with a slim build and shoulder-length blond hair.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Detective Joel Field of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2382 or email at jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.