Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance regarding a robbery that occurred on Friday, August 30, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., at a clothing store located within the Prince Kuhio Plaza Shopping Center, on Puainako Street, in Hilo.

A female employee reported that a group of approximately four to five young males entered their store when several of them quickly removed various types of clothing and proceeded to exit the store without paying.  The employee informed them that they needed to pay for the items, however they continued to exit the store.

The employee contacted one of the suspects outside of the store and attempted to recover the stolen merchandise from the suspect when he assaulted her. As the suspect began to walk away with the clothing, the employee grabbed onto the clothing at which time she and the suspect fell to the ground. While on the ground, the female employee reported being assaulted by another male suspect.

A male employee of the store grabbed one of the male suspects who was assaulting the female employee to stop any further assault. At this time, the male suspect began assaulting the male employee and eventually tackled him to the ground. While on the ground, the male suspect and another male suspect began kicking the male employee.

Both the female and male employee were taken to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where there were treated for their injuries and released.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2381 or email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.