7-30-24 Police Investigate Traffic Collision and Firearm Incident in Pāpa‘ikou
Hawai‘i Police Department
Hilo Patrol
Captain Brian Prudencio
Phone: (808) 935-3311
Report No.: 24-068733
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating an incident that occurred Sunday afternoon, July 28, 2024, in which a man was reportedly seen running from the scene of a traffic collision in Pāpa‘ikou with what appeared to a firearm.
Responding to a reported traffic collision near the intersection of Highway 19 and Old Māmalahoa Highway shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, officers determined that a dark-colored 2005 Cadillac Escalade sports utility vehicle (SUV) collided with a gray 2017 Toyota pick-up truck as it was attempting to overtake the pickup. After the collision, the male operator of the SUV exited the vehicle and fled the scene with what appeared to be a rifle.
The operator of the Cadillac is described as a local male, roughly 5 feet 10 inches, 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Upon arrival, officers conducted extensive checks in the area but were unable to locate the man. No one was injured in the incident and the identity of the man has not yet been established. The investigation is being continued by detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section.
Police ask that anyone with any information regarding this incident to please contact the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
