Robbery witnesses sought

Police are seeking witnesses to a robbery Tuesday night in Kealakekua.

Kona patrol officers responded to a 7:45 p.m. report of a robbery in a parking lot below Kona Community Hospital and learned that a 22-year-old Captain Cook woman had been sitting in a parked gold Mazda sedan, when a man reportedly approached her and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at her. After he demanded her valuables, the victim gave the suspect her purse, which was valued at $150 including contents. The suspect then fled toward Haukapila Road.

The suspect was described as 5-foot-8 and 150 pounds with a thin build. He was wearing dark long pants, a dark hooded sweatshirt and a red bandanna, which covered his lower face. He spoke with a heavy Pidgin accent.

A red SUV was seen traveling makai on Haukapila Road at the time the suspect fled. Police would like to speak to the driver or any other potential witnesses who may have been in the vicinity during the robbery.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Tyson Matsumura at 326-4646, ext. 277, or the police non-emergency line at 935-3311.