On Saturday evening, after conferring with county prosecutors, detectives charged Palma with second-degree robbery. Her bail was set at $25,000.
On Saturday afternoon, shortly after 12:00 p.m., South Hilo Patrol officers responded to a reported assault at a financial institution at the 600 block of Kinoole Street, in Hilo. Upon arrival, officers learned the female victim was withdrawing money from the institution’s ATM when she was attacked from behind by another female. After punching the victim numerous times, knocking her to the ground, and repeatedly kicking her, the suspect forcefully removed an undisclosed amount of money from the victim and then left the area on foot. Witnesses were able to provide police with a description of the suspect, who was located a short time later on Kinoole Street near Kukuau Street. She was arrested without incident.
Palma remained in police custody pending her initial court appearance Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court.
Police would like to remind the public to always be aware of their surroundings; when using an ATM, do not display your cash, conceal your PIN (personal identification number) and utilize ATM mirrors, when available. If you witness suspicious activity or may have been a victim of theft or fraud, report it immediately to the Hawai’i Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
