KUNIA, Hawaii — An investigation is underway after an armed robbery involving a machete was reported late Thursday night at a Walmart store in Kunia, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
Police said officers responded to the Walmart location at approximately 10:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a robbery in progress. Investigators determined that a male suspect entered the store armed with a machete, threatened an employee, and took property before fleeing the area on foot.
Authorities said the suspect ran toward the nearby Times Supermarket following the incident. No injuries were reported, and employees were not physically harmed during the encounter.
Suspect Description Released
According to police, the suspect is described as a man approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a noticeable neck tattoo. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing khaki shorts, a baseball cap, and a backpack. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the store and surrounding businesses in an effort to track the suspect’s movements.
Police have not released additional identifying details and said no arrests have been made as of this time.
Third Machete-Related Robbery This Week
Authorities confirmed this incident marks the third robbery involving a machete reported in the area this week, raising concerns about a potential pattern. Investigators have not publicly stated whether the cases are believed to be connected, but they are actively reviewing similarities between the incidents.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that machete-related crimes pose a serious public safety risk due to the nature of the weapon and urged residents and businesses to remain alert, especially during late-night hours.
Public Assistance Requested
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen a person matching the suspect’s description near the Kunia shopping area late Thursday night to come forward.
Tips can be reported anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling (808) 955-8300. Anyone with immediate information related to the suspect’s location is urged to call 911.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
