Suspect in Mililani bank robbery arrested

A Wahiawa man suspected of robbing a Bank of Hawaii branch at Mililani Shopping Center earlier this week was arrested Thursday in connection with a second bank robbery at the same shopping center Aug. 10.

The man, who has not been charged, was placed on a "federal hold" at 8 p.m. Thursday, which possibly means federal authorities will handle the case, police said.

Police said the man entered the American Savings Bank at about 11:10 a.m. Aug. 10 and gave a note to the teller demanding she give him money or he would shoot her. Fearing for her safety, the teller gave the man $2,000. He fled with the note and the cash.

Police arrested the man at 12:25 p.m. Thursday for investigation of first-degree robbery. Before the arrest, he was already in police custody in connection with Tuesday’s Bank of Hawaii robbery.

Police said in that case the man entered the Bank of Hawaii at 95-211 Kipapa Drive at about 1 p.m., demanded money and fled. He was found at a Hale­iwa beach park Wednesday afternoon and arrested for first-degree robbery.