HILO, HI – A Mountain View man is facing robbery and assault charges following an incident at the O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Hilo on April 1, 2025. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the charges against 34-year-old Raul Laa.

Laa was charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Habitual Property Crime. According to the charges, Laa allegedly committed theft of spray paint while armed with a dangerous instrument, identified as a knife and/or box-type cutter and/or sharp bladed object, and threatened the imminent use of force. He is also accused of intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury, specifically a cut to the skin, to another person with the dangerous instrument.

Laa made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Thursday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $140,000.00, and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 7, 2025.

Prosecutors have indicated that, if convicted as charged, Laa may be subject to a mandatory prison term and not eligible for probation due to the nature of the alleged offenses.

Robbery in the First Degree is a class A felony, carrying a maximum penalty of a twenty-year prison term. Assault in the Second Degree and Habitual Property Crime are both class C felonies, each carrying a maximum penalty of a five-year prison term.

“The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office emphasized in a statement.

The case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by the Crime Reduction Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Shannon Kagawa is prosecuting the case.