Big Island police are requesting the public's help in identifying a pair of males who forcibly took a moped from a woman earlier this month.

Police said the a 22-year-old woman was riding her moped south-bound on Route 130 near the 17-mile marker about 7:15 p.m. Jan. 13 when she was stopped by a red, newer-model Honda sedan.

The woman told police a male got out of the front passenger seat and started yelling at her.

He struck her twice on the side of her head and pushed her to the ground, the woman told police.

She said her attacker then drove off with her moped, following the red Honda, which continued traveling south-bound on Route 130.

The suspect is described as being 5-foot-11 to 6 feet tall, 170-180 pounds with a short-trimmed mustache.

Police ask anyone with information on this case call Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua at 961-2252 or the Police Department's non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.