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KGMB9 55 Years
Wanted Wednesday: Leland Akau Print E-mail
Written by Sunrise on KGMB9 - sunrise@kgmb9.com   
March 26, 2008 08:41 AM

 
October 30, 2007: Two women and their children are enjoying a late lunch at a restaurant at McCully Shopping Center. Police say when they were done, 36-year-old Leland Akau, who was out on parole, saw a crime of opportunity when the two mom's started loading the kids in the car.

"Female puts her purse in the driver's seat of the vehicle, attempts to put her baby in the back seat. Her friend has her baby also, putting them in the back seat. Next thing you know, the friend screams, she alerted, of the vehicle and sees a male running off with her purse," said Sgt. Kim Buffett of CrimeStoppers.

Police say Akau took off running toward Pumehana Street and started taking off his clothing, hoping to avoid capture based on witness may have seen him wearing.

"That's the first thing you see. Oh, yeah, I saw that guy wearing a black shirt and orange shorts, let's say, and if you start stripping and I see you at the end, well then, I'm not to sure. That's what he was probably banking on," Buffett said.

But it didn't work. Police say witnesses got a good look at Akau and identified him when he was picked up on Lime Street.

"Be careful if you're going to put your purse down. Put it in the back seat where the baby is or put it down where you're going to be able to grab it or keep your eye on it the whole time," Buffett advised.

Akau posted bail on the theft charge, but jumped it when he failed to show up to court.

Leland Akau is described as a Hawaiian male, 5-foot-7, and about 180 pounds.

"He has numerous tattoos. Both arms, shoulders, in the back, on his stomach. He has AKAU across his stomach," Buffett said.

Police urge us to notice more than just a criminal's clothes.

"Look for a tattoo, a scar, a specific type of jewelry, something that's just different that stood out for you," Buffett said.

Akau has 22 felony convictions ranging from drugs and criminal property damage, to theft, auto theft, burglary and abuse. He's known to frequent the west side of Oahu and Wailuku, Maui.


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Last Updated ( March 26, 2008 09:50 AM )
 
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