Woman robbed at gunpoint in Kapiolani Park, suspect still on loose

WAIKIKI (HawaiiNewsNow) - A soccer mom is claiming she was robbed at gunpoint at Kapiolani Park on Monday.

Police confirmed the 46-year-old woman was held up just before 5:30 p.m.

The victim reportedly parked near the tennis courts when a man suddenly entered her passenger door, pointed a gun at her, and made her drive around the park.

According to Scott Keopuhiwa, president of the Hawaii Youth Soccer Association, the victim told him the suspect forced her to hand off her jewelry, phone and purse.

The woman was not injured.

The suspect is still on the loose, according to police. He is described as a local male in his 30s with an average build and tattoos on his neck.

Soccer clubs have been warning parents in mass emails since the incident. The following is an email that Keopuhiwa sent to soccer parents.

Dear Soccer Ohana,
Yesterday a very unfortunate incident occurred at Kapiolani Park. A mother of one of our players was parked in the metered stalls along Kalakaua Ave across from the Waikiki Aquarium and Natatorium. She was minding her own business sitting in her car with the windows down while her daughter was at soccer practice. Suddenly, an unknown individual opened the passenger side door, got into the car and pulled out a gun. He pointed the gun at her and forced her to drive him around Kapiolani Park. He eventually ordered her to stop the car at which time, he fled on foot. He took her jewelry, phone and her purse. Fortunately, she was not physically harmed, but understandably shaken by the event. This happened at approximately 5:30pm, so it was still very light out and in a well-traveled area. The crime was very brazen and shocked us all.
We are putting this notice out to bring awareness of the incident and to ask all parents to be alert and aware of their surroundings. The incident was alarming as this could have happened to any of us that arrive early to practice or wait in the car during practice. You may wish to take precautions by locking your doors even when parked; sitting in a group while waiting; and discussing personal safety with players. Please make sure all players are accounted for at all times and that they are picked up promptly after practice.
Let this serve as a reminder to us all that crime can touch our lives when you least expect it. We don't want to be paranoid, but we should be cautious and observant of our surrounding. If you have questions, feel free to contact me. Please forward to your teams.
Be safe!
Scott Keopuhiwa

Police ask that anyone with tips to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. Meanwhile, Honolulu Police Department said it plans to increase police presence in the area to address the crime.