A Kona man and woman were arrested after a visitor from Texas reported a robbery at Koloko-Honokohou National Historical Park.
A Kona man and woman were arrested after a visitor from Texas reported a robbery at Koloko-Honokohou National Historical Park.
In response to a 7:15 p.m. call Friday, officers determined that when a 25-year-old man from Bellaire, Texas, was at the fish pond, he saw a local man rummaging through his bag. The suspect then reportedly confronted the victim, punched him in the face and fled with the victim’s cellphone and prescription glasses.
Responding officers observed a black Chevrolet Cruze parked in the area and discovered it was stolen from a rental car company in Kailua-Kona.
While the officers were at the scene, a white Chevy Impala approached the area and the officers attempted to stop it to speak with its occupants. The driver fled southbound on Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
Officers discovered the Impala also was stolen from the same rental car company.
On Saturday, police located the Impala in a parking lot at Kealakekua Bay in Napoopoo. Investigation determined that 23-year-old Briana Pama of Kealakekua had been driving the Impala and 27-year-old Justin Matias of Kailua-Kona was her passenger. The two were arrested and taken to the Kona police cellblock.
Investigation determined Matias was responsible for the robbery, as police recovered the victim’s cellphone and the keys to the stolen Cruze.
At 9:30 a.m. Monday, detectives charged Pama with resisting arrest and two counts of driving a stolen vehicle. Her bail was set at $4,500.
She was released after posting bail.
Matias was charged with robbery and two counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle. His bail was set at $45,000.
His initial court appearance is scheduled for today.