Hawaii island police charge man in Hilo carjacking
Hawaii County police charged a 19-year-old man today in connection with an alleged carjacking in Hilo on Wednesday.
According to police, Alkapone Cruz-Balles approached a 24-year-old man in the parking lot of the Target store in Hilo and threatened him with a weapon. Cruz-Balles then allegedly took the victim’s car keys and drove away in the man’s Hyundai sedan.
An islandwide bulletin was issued and Cruz-Balles was located with the car in the Pohoiki area. A 14-year-old girl who was with Cruz-Balles was interviewed and released to her parents.
Cruz-Balles was charged with first-degree robbery and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle. He is being held in lieu of $12,000 bail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday.