Two women and a man were arrested today in connection with the robbery of an 18-year-old Hilo woman on Haili Street near the Palace Theatre, police said. 

About 12:20 a.m., the woman was confronted by several individuals who assaulted her and stole her handbag, police said. The suspects fled the area on foot toward Kinoole Street. The victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment.

Responding officers arrested two Hilo women on suspicion of second-degree robbery and third-degree assault. A 20-year-old Hilo man was arrested for investigation of fourth-degree theft. 

All three were being held at the Hilo police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section investigate.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information about it contact Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Nobert Serrao Jr. at 961-2383 or nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.