A 20-year-old Kailua-Kona man was to make his initial court appearance in a Hawaii County courtroom Thursday for allegedly beating and robbing a 26-year-old Kealakekua man in a parking lot Monday evening.

Alexander Cho was charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and third-degree theft Wednesday night. He is being held in the Kona police cellblock unable to post $77,000 bail.

The incident occurred early Monday morning in a parking lot at Alii Sunset Plaza. 

The 26-year-old victim reported that after he met a local man at a bar, the man took him to the northwest corner of the parking lot to meet with five or six males. The group punched and kicked the victim and stole his backpack before fleeing on foot, police said.

The victim was treated at Kona Community Hospital for a fractured jaw and minor cuts and scrapes. 

Police are looking for witnesses to the attack or anyone who saw the victim talking with a local male in the Coconut Grove area. The victim was wearing shorts and a striped tank top and was carrying a backpack.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, extension 238. 

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.