Homeless man, 26, charged with robbery of Waipahu restaurant

A 26-year-old man who acquaintances say committed at least nine robberies on Oahu was charged Sunday with the robbery of Elena’s restaurant in Waipahu.

Lindsey Furtado, who is homeless, was charged with first-degree robbery and unauthorized entry into a dwelling. His bail was set at $250,000.

Police said Furtado robbed Elena’s with a 12-inch knife about 7:10 a.m. and fled with cash. He forced his way into a nearby Kahuamoku Place apartment, where police arrested him about a half-hour later.

Waipahu residents who know Furtado said he lives at Waipahu District Park and admitted to robbing several businesses, stretching back months.

Furtado bragged about robbing four businesses last week, one man who knows him said.

Police said detectives are investigating if Furtado is connected with some of the recent robberies of businesses on Oahu.

On Friday, police held a news conference about a rash of robberies at fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and banks over the past several months.

Police suspect at least three bandits or groups of criminals are involved in the robberies.