MEDIA RELEASE

Clarence Hatori

Hawaiʻi Island police are searching for a 38-year-old Pāhoa man wanted for questioning in connection with a robbery in Hilo.

In response to a 2:20 p.m. call Friday (June 10), South Hilo patrol officers took a report from a 47-year-old Hilo man, who said he had been seated in a car on the 400 block of Wainaku Street with a large sum of cash, when he was approached by a man who demanded the money. The suspect removed the cash and then the victim exited his car and struggled to gain possession of it. As the suspect drove away, the victim was dragged by the suspect’s car.

The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries to his legs.

Police want to question Clarence Hatori, who is also wanted on a bench warrant for contempt of court. He is described as 6-feet tall, 240 pounds with short black hair. He may have a mustache and goatee.

Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or todd.pataray@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.