Police are seeking a pair of suspects who assaulted and robbed an 81-year-old man Wednesday afternoon in a home invasion on Alakahi Place in Pepeekeo.
The assailants — who police say should be considered armed and dangerous — entered the victim’s home, attacked him from behind, stole a firearm from him, his cellphone, wallet and an undisclosed amount of money.
The victim called 911 shortly after 4:30 p.m. to report the violent robbery from a neighbor’s home. In addition to police, Hawaii Fire Department medics responded and treated injures to the victim’s neck and face.
“They’re nonlife-threatening,” Lt. Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Hilo Criminal Investigations Section said of the man’s injuries. “He initially refused to be transported by rescue … . But I guess as the adrenaline settled, he started feeling the injuries a little bit more and an acquaintance advised him to go to the hospital.”
The suspects are described as “local,” possibly in their 20s. One was wearing a jacket. It’s unknown if they left the area on foot or in a vehicle.
It’s been a busy week for police. Two East Hawaii men, 32-year-old Dustin Kapena Bell of Hilo and 61-year-old Kelley O. Calvert of Tiki Gardens subdivision in Puna, are facing attempted second-degree murder and other serious charges for separate incidents on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
In addition, police are seeking a gunman who robbed the Prince Kuhio Plaza Longs Drugs pharmacy Tuesday night and took what Amon-Wilkins described as a “substantial” amount of prescription pharmaceuticals.
Asked if he’s noticed an increase in violent crimes recently, Amon-Wilkins replied, “I think it kind of goes in waves. And, obviously, during this past week, we’ve had our fair share in this community. But I don’t think there’s been a substantial uptick. I think it’s more the type of thing that goes in waves, and right now, unfortunately, it’s been a little busy.”
Anyone with information about the home-invasion incident or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area is asked to call the police department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
