Edward Higa, a 35-year-old man from Hilo, has been brought up on five charges stemming from a shoplifting incident that occured at a shopping mall on June 23.
Hawaii Island police opened an investigation after Higa reportedly shoplifted clothing from a department store on East Puainako Street in Hilo. Upon being confronted by employees outside the store, Higa reportedly fled by car and struck a 19-year-old female employee in the process, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The employee suffered minor injuries.
Police arrested Higa Tuesday morning, charging him with second-degree robbery, third-degree theft, reckless endangering, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury and driving without a license.
Higa’s bail was set at $29,000 and his first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.