PAHOA, Hawaii: Police are also investigating a reported robbery that happened in Puna early Friday morning, and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

Police say a 39-year-old Pahoa man reported that he was walking along Highway 130 near Pahoa High School around 2:15 a.m. on March 30th, when he was accosted by five to six young men who were also walking in the area. It is alleged that one of the men started a conversation with the victim, and while he was distracted, the other men assaulted him and removed his backpack. They then fled the area.

The victim walked to Pahoa town and notified police. He refused medical treatment for his injuries.

Police recovered the backpack that was taken during the assault.

All the suspects were described as being in their 20s. Police say one was described as “local looking,” approximately 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-7 with dark short hair, a medium build and a medium complexion. He was wearing a black T-shirt.

Another suspect was described as having a light complexion, reddish-brown short hair and a muscular build. He was wearing a black T-shirt and a ball cap.

A third suspect was described having dark shoulder-length hair, a goatee, a medium build and a medium complexion. He was wearing a T-shirt and ball cap.

The investigation is classified as a second-degree robbery and a third-degree assault.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident contact Detective Norbert Serrao Jr. by phone at 961-2383.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.