KAILUA-KONA — Police are continuing to investigate a pair of reported armed robberies that occurred Aug. 24 and 26 in Kailua-Kona.
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old man arrested days later on suspicion of robbery in connection with the incidents was released pending further investigation after police consulted with prosecutors, Hawaii Police said Thursday.
However, that man, Joey Alex John, of Kailua-Kona, was later charged with driving without a license, failure to have motor vehicle insurance and third-degree promoting a dangerous drug for having meth in his possession at the time of his arrest on Aug. 28.
John pleaded not guilty to the offenses on Thursday in 3rd Circuit Court. He remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $11,250 bail. Trial is set for early December.
Hawaii Police Maj. Robert Wagner said Thursday police are continuing to follow-up on leads in the case.
The first robbery was reported about 8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Banyan Mart on Alii Drive. According to police, two unknown persons came into the convenience store with one holding what appeared to be a handgun and demanding money. The victim reportedly gave the suspects $400 to $500 from the register, in addition to a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey from behind the register.
Just over 48 hours later, at 10:45 p.m. Aug. 26, police responded to the Shell gas station and convenience store on Lako Street to report of two unknown persons entering the store, brandishing a weapon and demanding money. The suspects made off with cash, tobacco and beer. The value of items and cash taken was put at $162.
Police say the individuals in surveillance images captured Aug. 24 matched the description of the suspects involved in the Aug. 26 incident.
Police said the person who brandished the weapon in the Aug. 24 incident was described as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a thin build. The individual was wearing a gray camouflage hooded jacket and long black pants and was carrying a black backpack. The second individual was described as being approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall with a thin build, wearing a black hoodedsweatshirt and long black pants.
Anyone with information on the case should contact Detective Donovan Kohara at 960-3118 or via email at Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.