Two stolen trucks, a pre-dawn getaway, and a shopping spree on someone else's debit card have Kona police asking the public to take a close look at their security footage.
Investigators say three people made off with two vehicles in the early hours of June 8. A gray 2025 Hyundai Kona was first taken from a private residence, then allegedly used to steal a second vehicle, a black 2004 Toyota Tacoma. Surveillance video later showed a woman behind the wheel of the Hyundai using a payment card that had been left inside. Police say they have identified her, but two other suspects are still on the loose.
What police say happened
According to the Hawai‘i Island Police Department, the thefts happened sometime between 3 and 7 a.m. on the 75-5500 block of Māmalahoa Highway. That is where three suspects reportedly removed the Hyundai with plate YCX 979, then used it to take the Tacoma with plate NJP 597, as reported by Big Island Now. Detectives are still tightening up the timeline and want to hear from anyone who might have noticed unusual activity in the area during those early morning hours.
Surveillance footage identifies suspect
Police turned to nearby businesses to track the stolen vehicles and found surveillance video from a location near Kuakini Highway. The footage shows a woman driving the Hyundai and using a debit card that had been left inside the vehicle, investigators say. Officers identified her as Carolyn Samson, and still images from that video were shared by Big Island Video News.
Card charges and locations
Police say the debit card was swiped several times after the theft. It was used for three fuel purchases totaling $284.95 at a business in the 76 block of Kuakini Highway, then later for food and drinks totaling $51.10 near the 82 block of Māmalahoa Highway in Captain Cook, according to Big Island Now. Those charges gave detectives a rough map of where the suspects traveled after the cars were taken, officials said.
How to help
Police are now asking the public for help identifying and locating the remaining suspects. Anyone with information about the thefts or the suspects' whereabouts is asked to call the Hawai‘i Police Department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300. Tipsters who stay anonymous through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, according to Big Island Video News.
Local context
This latest case lands on top of what police and local media have described as a rise in vehicle break-ins around Kona earlier this year. A spike in December prompted repeated reminders from law enforcement to lock vehicles and remove valuables, including keys and cards, from plain view. That trend of opportunistic thefts was highlighted in reporting by the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, which also relayed police tips for lowering the odds of becoming a target.
The current investigation is still active, and detectives are urging residents and businesses to review any camera footage from the affected areas on June 8. Even small details, they say, could help nail down the remaining suspects.
