Police are seeking a suspect in the Tuesday robbery of a convenience store near Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
Police are seeking a suspect in the Tuesday robbery of a convenience store near Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
Officers responded to a 1:08 p.m. call from a Minit Stop employee who reported a lone male suspect entered the store claiming he had a firearm and demanding money. The man fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise.
No firearm was seen and the employee was not injured during the robbery.
A customer followed the suspect, who reportedly ran west towards Kilauea Avenue. The customer reported the man got into a “beat up” older black Mercedes 4-door-sedan with license plate number PSJ-088 in the parking lot of Kai Store. The suspect’s car reportedly was struck by another vehicle in the parking lot before he left and headed south on Kilauea.
The customer continued following the black Mercedes southbound onto Route 11 but lost it in traffic.
Detectives conducted checks along Route 11 from Hilo into the Puna District. Detectives and evidence specialists recovered articles of clothing and merchandise that were apparently discarded by the man as he fled the store on foot, and video surveillance footage was recovered from the store.
Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to apprehend the suspect, who’s described as a Caucasian man, possibly in his early to mid 20s, 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-7, about 125-130 pounds, slender with shoulder-length blond hair. They’re also seeking help locating the 1995 black Mercedes 4-door-sedan with license plate PSJ-088.
Detectives also want to question 36-year-old Kelly Marie Brightbill of Hilo about this robbery. She’s also wanted on an outstanding warrant. Brightbill, who also uses the alias Kali Lee Simpson, is described as about 5-foot-10, 125-130 pounds, slender, with green eyes, fair complexion, and medium-length straight hair dyed reddish pink or purple.
In addition, police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the robbery at Minit Stop or the fender bender in the Kai Store parking lot to call Detective Joel Field at 961-2382 or email at jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.