Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 27-year-old Cyrus Kapeli-Spencer, was charged with robbery, theft, unauthorized control of propelled vehicle, and traffic offenses for a string of incidents that occurred between September 25th and 26th.

As the Complaint alleges, Cyrus Kapeli-Spencer, a repeat offender, who has felony convictions for Theft in the Second Degree and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, was charged with nine (9) offenses including Robbery in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Theft in the Fourth Degree, Attempted Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Negligent Injury in the Second Degree, False Reports, No No-Fault Insurance, and Driving Without a License. The most serious offense, Robbery in the Second Degree is a class B felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison. If convicted as charged, Kapeli-Spencer faces a mandatory prison term.

At the time of his arrest on the instant offenses, Kapeli-Spencer was also arrested on three unrelated bench warrants.Kapeli-Spencer, who remains in custody in lieu of $66,000.00 total bail will make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.

The investigation was handled by Officer Amy Omaya, South Hilo Patrol, and Detective Wendall Carter, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.