Group keeps pledge
to look for mugger

Answer: At least three times a week, a group of Guardian Angels still makes its way down to the Keeaumoku-Pawaa area to calm residents' fears about a rock-wielding mugger who attacked six people between April 9 and June 2.

They have also gotten several leads, none of which have panned out.

"I guess he's hiding, which is good," said Ricardo "Chico" Garcia, head of the Hawaii Guardian Angels.

The Angels, an all-volunteer citizens' patrol, decided to walk the streets in their trademark red berets after hearing of the attacks in late June. They stand by their pledge to continue the patrols -- carrying handcuffs but no weapons -- until the attacker is caught.

Garcia said the Angels usually patrol the area from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and alternate the days they patrol.

In three of the muggings, victims 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.

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 purses or wallets stolen. All victims were taken to hospitals for head injuries and later released.

In addition to patrolling, the Guardian Angels have been passing out 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.