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Keeaumoku residents
scared by a rock-wielding
robber welcome the
crime-fighting volunteers
Meeting up with encouragement and thanks from residents, a dozen Guardian Angels patrolled the Keeaumoku-Pawaa area last night where police say a serial mugger has attacked six people over three months.
"Thank you, guys," shouted a man from his sixth-floor balcony on Young Street.
The Angels, an all-volunteer citizens' patrol, decided to walk the streets in their trademark red berets after hearing of the attacks this week. They plan to continue the patrols -- carrying handcuffs but no weapons -- until the attacker is caught.
"We can see the public is very afraid," said Eric Costanios, Hawaii Angels spokesman. "For one guy to hold a whole community hostage ... that's very wrong."
This week, police released details about a string of attacks involving a rock-wielding man on a bicycle. Police said the attacks occurred between April 9 and June 2.
In three of the attacks, victims -- three of them men -- reported seeing the suspect flee on a bicycle. In the other attacks, he fled on foot. The attacks happened during different times of the day, and all involved the suspect hitting victims with either a rock or brick.
Guardian Angels Don Fridinger, left, Marlon Bautista, Chuck Wheatley, Richard Uyehara and Ricardo "Chico" Garcia made plans last night before heading out for patrol around Keeaumoku Street.
The first attack happened on April 9 and involved a 52-year-old man who was hit in the head with a brick while standing outside his vehicle about 7:50 p.m. along Vineyard Boulevard near Queen Emma Street. The victim was knocked unconscious.
When he came to, he found items from his vehicle had been stolen.
On April 12 a 50-year-old woman and her boyfriend were walking along a sidewalk on Makaloa Street near the Keeaumoku Street Wal-Mart between 3:35 and 4 a.m. when the suspect allegedly attacked the boyfriend, knocking him unconscious, and took the woman's belongings.
Police said attacks followed on May 8, 19 and 21 and June 2.
In each case, police said, the victims were attacked from behind and had their purse or wallet stolen. All the victims were taken to hospitals for head injuries and later released.
Last night, the Angels handed out hundreds of fliers bearing a composite of the suspect, who is believed to be about 40 years old and weigh 180 to 200 pounds. Police said he has short, curly black hair and a medium build.
The Angels also gave advice to passing pedestrians, suggesting, for example, that they pair up when walking at night.
"Be extra-careful," said Elicia Cole, an Angel and emergency medical technician. "But don't let this one incident keep (you) in your house."
With her youngest in a stroller and her 7-year-old by her side, Kenye Liaiakse smiled broadly when she saw the Angels walking down Young Street.
She had heard about the attacks the day before, and said she was afraid to be walking at night. "When I saw it (the news report), I was scared," she said, but added that the Angels made her feel safer.
Earlier in the evening, James Beni came out of his Young Street apartment to watch the Angels stand in formation before they started off on their walk.
"I think it's great that these guys are out here," he said.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
E-mail to City Desk
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