Police Seeking Person of Interest in Puna Traffic Crash Investigation

Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the driver of a white Toyota pickup truck as part of their investigation into a traffic collision that occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024, on Highway 11 between the 19- and 20-mile marker in the Glenwood area.

Investigating officers determined that a grey Toyota pickup truck was travelling south (Hilo bound) on Highway 11 and struck a black Mazda sedan travelling in the opposite direction. The occupants of the Mazda sedan were transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Prior to police arriving on scene, the operator of the grey Toyota pickup fled the area after being picked up in a white Toyota pickup truck operated by an unknown person. 

Police are seeking the driver of the white Toyota pickup truck who picked up the operator of the grey Toyota truck involved in the crash to confirm the identity of the driver involved in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person or who may have picked up any person in the area of the 19- and 20- mile marker on December 28, shortly after 9:00 p.m. is encouraged to contact Officer Israel Mata via email at israel.mata@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.