Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, December 12, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Hawaii NewsTop News

Teen found guilty of purse-snatching captured on video

1/2
Swipe or click to see more
This video shows Hardy Gabriel snatching a purse from a 73-year-old woman in Chinatown. Gabriel was found guilty of the crime Thursday.
Video courtesy Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney
COURTESY STATE OF HAWAII
                                Hardy Gabriel
2/2
Swipe or click to see more

COURTESY STATE OF HAWAII

Hardy Gabriel

COURTESY STATE OF HAWAII
                                Hardy Gabriel

An Oahu Circuit Court jury found an 18-year-old man guilty on Thursday of second-degree robbery for forcefully taking a 73-year-old woman’s purse from her shoulder.

Hardy Gabriel will be sentenced April 20 and could get up to 10 years in prison for the Class B felony.

Surveillance video captured the purse snatching on May 11 on College Walk near North Kukui Street.

“Gabriel ripped the purse from his elderly victim’s shoulder by breaking the purse strap,” and fled in a waiting getaway car, the prosecutor’s office said in a news release.

Deputy prosecutor Scott Spallina said, “The video and testimony from the victim and HPD were instrumental in securing the conviction.”

Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto said: “People in Honolulu have a right to be angry about all the purse snatchings, car jackings, and violent crimes — particularly crimes against senior citizens. The Prosecutor’s Office is aggressively working with police to bring the people who commit these crimes to justice.”

Gabriel has prior convictions, including third-degree assault and being in a public park after hours. He is awaiting trial for felony drug promotion.

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.