Police are investigating a reported purse snatching Wednesday in downtown Hilo.

A man approached from behind two women walking along Haili Street and took the purse of one of the women, a 64-year-old from Keaau, and fled down an alley below the Palace Theater.

The suspect was described as a local male in his late 20s, lawearing a white tank-top undershirt, brown shorts, and a pair of slippers.

Police ask that anyone with information on this case or may have witnessed the robbery to call Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or by email at gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us.