A 54-year-old homeless Hilo man has been charged with allegedly beating and taking money from a friend at a downtown bus stop last week.

John Michael Kapahu, who has no local address, was charged with second-degree robbery Friday. His bail was set at $25,000.

Hilo police said that at  12:03 p.m. Wednesday a 52-year-old Hakalau man said a friend allegedly  took an undisclosed amount of money from him at Mooheau Bandstand. When the victim tried get his money back, the suspect reportedly punched him several times and fled.

The victim was treated with injuries to his face at Hilo Medical Center and released.