Hawai’i Island Police are investigating an attempted robbery and assault that recently occurred in the Kona Aquatics center parking lot.

On Sunday, November 3, Kona patrol officers responded to the center following a report of a 70-year-old male victim who had sustained visible injuries to his head and neck.  He reported that while in the parking lot, he was approached by an unknown male who was holding a knife and demanding that the victim give him his wallet. When the victim refused, the suspect struck him on the head with a closed fist and cut his neck with the knife causing a 12 cm laceration. The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section are continuing to investigate the incident and are requesting public assistance in identifying the suspect who was described as an approximately 35 year-old Hawaiian male  5-foot 7-inches to 5-foot 8-inches in height, weighing 150 lbs. He was last seen wearing a dark colored t-shirt with unknown gray decals/writing on the front and knee-length shorts.  The suspect was also described as having short hair shaved close near the ears, no facial hair, dark skin, and speaking with a pidgin accent.

Police ask anyone with information pertaining to this incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311; or Acting Detective Joel Furuto at (808) 326-4646, ext. 281; or via email at Joel.Furuto@hawaiicounty.gov.