Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man and car linked to a Hilo convenience store robbery.

At about 1:08 p.m. Tuesday, patrol officers responded to a call from an employee at the Minit Stop reporting that a man had entered the store claiming he had a firearm and demanding cash. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise.

Police said a customer followed the suspect and saw him running toward Kilauea Avenue and entering a black 1995 Mercedes four-door sedan with the license plate PSJ 088. The sedan headed south on Route 11.

Detectives recovered clothes and merchandise apparently discarded by the suspect while he was on foot. Police also acquired video surveillance footage at the store.

The suspect is described as 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 7 inches tall, 125 to 130 pounds, and in his early to mid-20s. He has a slim build with shoulder-length blonde hair.

Officers are also looking for Kelly Marie Brightbill, a 36-year-old Hilo woman, for questioning in connection with the robbery. Police described her as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 125 to 130 pounds.

She has green eyes and medium-length straight hair dyed reddish pink or purple. She sometimes goes by the name Kali Lee Simpson.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Joel Field of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2382 or email jfield@co.hawaii.us. Tipsters also may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.