80
Video courtesy Wilson Leong
COURTESY WILSON LEONG
Surveillance footage provided to police showed the suspect, dressed in a black T-shirt and baseball cap, pacing around the elderly man then grabbing the victim’s wallet and fleeing the scene.
COURTESY CRIMESTOPPERS
Remik Ungeni allegedly stole a man’s wallet Wednesday in Chinatown.
Honolulu police on Friday night arrested a 49-year-old suspect who allegedly snatched an elderly man’s wallet earlier this week in the Chinatown area.
Suspect Remik Ungeni was arrested 9:20 p.m. Friday at North Kukui Street on suspicion of theft in the fourth degree with a $500 contempt warrant.
The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oahu Market, 145 N. King St., police said. An elderly man was counting money in his wallet to pay for fish at a vendor.
Surveillance footage provided to police showed the suspect, dressed in a black T-shirt and baseball cap, pacing around the elderly man then grabbing the victim’s wallet and fleeing the scene.
Ungeni had two prior convictions and was known to frequent the Chinatown area, police said.
Oahu Market board president Wilson Leong warned Chinatown shoppers to avoid flashing their money around. It may attract thieves, he said.
“When elderly people take out their money, they fiddle with it and they are not aware of their surroundings,” he said. “When you buy something, don’t take out your wallet. If you have a shoulder bag, hold on to it.”
A similar incident occurred at Oahu Market in August when an unidentified man snatched a woman’s purse from a char siu vendor, Leong said. No arrests were made.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.