A quiet Friday morning drive along Hakimo Road in Waianae turned into an armed robbery, after a masked man with a handgun allegedly held up a 35-year-old driver and sped off in the victim’s pickup, according to police. The driver was not hurt, and a second suspect bolted from the scene in a white Mercedes with Hawai‘i plate WFW 070. Officers later found the stolen 2002 Ford abandoned in the Kuwale Road area, but the Mercedes is still on the loose, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
Police: Truck Recovered, Second Vehicle Still Missing
In a press release from the Honolulu Police Department, officers said the armed robbery happened at about 7:22 a.m. on Friday. The primary suspect was described as wearing a gray long sleeve shirt, green pants and a black ski mask while holding a handgun.
Police said the stolen pickup was recovered unoccupied around 9:30 a.m. in the Kuwale Road area. Investigators also determined that the white Mercedes used by the second suspect had been reported stolen and remains missing. The case is still under investigation, according to HPD.
Suspect Search And CrimeStoppers Tip Line
Hawaii News Now reports that detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and checking for surveillance footage that could help identify the two suspects. The outlet notes that anyone with information about the robbery or the missing Mercedes is urged to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300.
Waianae Policing And Local Concerns
The incident lands in the middle of a long running debate over resources along the Waianae Coast. Community leaders have pressed for more patrols and support in the area, and coverage has pointed to an underused Waianae police substation and to calls for greater investment in enforcement on trouble spots like Hakimo Road. Civil Beat has detailed those concerns, which residents say underscore the need for consistent, visible policing.
Legal Note
HPD has classified the case as robbery in the first degree, according to the department’s statement via the Honolulu Police Department. Under Hawaii law, robbery in the first degree is a class A felony under HRS §708-840, as outlined by Justia.
How To Help
Anyone who saw the robbery, recognizes the suspect description or spots the white Mercedes is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300, a number highlighted by Hawaii News Now. Investigators are also encouraging nearby residents to review any doorbell or home security camera footage from Friday morning and to reach out to HPD if they see anything that could help identify the suspects or the vehicle.
