Bank Robber Nabbed at North Shore Surf Shop

A 48 year-old man was arrested Thursday on the North Shore of Oahu while trying to buy a change of clothes with stolen cash from a bank he had allegedly robbed earlier that day, according to the Honolulu Police Department.

The suspect, who is not a surfer, was arrested inside the Strong Current Surf Shop in Haleiwa while attempting to buy a T-shirt and trunks, police said.

Earlier, according to police, the man, armed with a handgun, robbed the American Savings Bank in Wahiawa at about 11:13 A.M. He then fled in a black Kia sport utility vehicle. He escaped and a man hunt was underway when the Kia was later discovered abandoned at a Waialua gas station near the old Sugar Mill.

Witnesses at the gas station told police they saw the guy head on foot toward Haleiwa town. Another said he might have gotten a ride and be trying to buy new clothes, that tip inspired a check of shops where he was identified and arrested for suspicion of first-degree bank robbery.

“ He bought a shirt at our surf shop by Grass Skirt Grill, cause by this time he was not wearing one, and shortly after that he was arrested before leaving the shop.“ said Johnny Moore, Strong Current Surf Shop owner. “We were closed down all afternoon cause the feds came and everything”, Johnny added.