MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police have arrested a juvenile in connection with the robbery of two tourists at a coffee processing company in Kealakekua on June 11.

The 17-year-old Hōnaunau boy was arrested in Honoka’a on Tuesday morning (June 29) on suspicion of first-degree robbery and second-degree attempted robbery for robbing a 63-year-old Tennessee man and his 58-year-old wife. He was also arrested for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle after investigation revealed that he didn’t have permission to drive the red Honda Civic he used to flee the scene of the robbery. Detectives are continuing the investigation into the identity of the juvenile’s accomplice.

In addition to the robbery, police arrested the juvenile on suspicion of six unrelated offenses: two counts of second-degree theft and one count each of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, fourth-degree theft, third-degree criminal property damage and third-degree assault.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation into all the above offenses for possible charges.

Meanwhile, the juvenile was arrested on a detention order that calls for his incarceration at the Hawai’i Youth Correctional Facility on O’ahu for failing to comply with terms of Drug Court. He is being held at the Kona police station pending his transfer to the O’ahu facility.