66-Year-Old Charged After Waikīkī Bank Robbery Involving Noxious Substance

Charles Christian, a 66-year-old man, has been charged with second-degree robbery following a September 29 incident at the First Hawaiian Bank Waikīkī branch where he demanded money from a teller and then sprayed a noxious substance, identified as oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray), into the bank lobby. The spray caused irritation and respiratory issues among bank employees, who required medical attention. Christian initially fled the scene but turned himself in the next day at the Kapolei Federal Building and confessed to the crime, reportedly due to guilt. Surveillance footage and witness accounts, including from the bank's concierge and teller, corroborate the events, noting that Christian wore medical gloves during the robbery. Bail was set at $100,000 as the investigation continues under the Honolulu Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division. Authorities are actively pursuing further details in this case involving the use of a harmful chemical during the robbery.