3 bank robberies
might be connected

But eyewitness descriptions
of the suspect differ

Honolulu police are looking into whether the same robber hit three banks within five days last week.

COURTESY HPD The suspect in Friday's robbery of Central Pacific Bank was described as in his 40s, 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall, and between 150 and 200 pounds.

Although the surveillance photos show a husky, local male suspect at each robbery, investigators said eyewitness descriptions for each case differ about what he looks like. His height, weight and age differ from robbery to robbery, according to witnesses' accounts.

"We don't know at this time if they're connected, but we are investigating," said CrimeStoppers Coordinator Detective Kim Capllonch.

The first robbery was at the Bank of Hawaii, 727 Kapahulu Ave., at 12:20 p.m. Aug. 8. Witnesses there described the suspect as being in his 50s, 5 feet 4 inches and 200 pounds.

Two days later, Wednesday, a suspect robbed the Waikiki branch of First Hawaiian Bank, 2181 Kalakaua Ave., about 2:55 p.m. In that robbery the suspect was described as 30 years old, about 5 foot 6 and 220 pounds.

On Friday there was a robbery at Central Pacific Bank, 818 Keeaumoku St., at 3:45 p.m. The suspect was described as in his 40s, between 5 foot 2 and 5 foot 4 inches tall, and between 150 and 200 pounds.

Police said the suspect presented a note demanding money to the teller during the first two robberies. But in the robbery at Central Pacific Bank, the suspect made a verbal demand for cash. After all the robberies, the suspect fled on foot, this last time heading makai on Kee-aumoku Street toward Wal-Mart.

The suspect was allegedly wearing sunglasses during the first and last robberies and a hat during the second robbery. He was also described as having salt-and-pepper-colored hair during the first robbery and short, crewcut-style black hair during the third robbery.

Anyone with information on any of these robberies is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or by dialing *CRIME on a cellular phone.

Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers