Man Located in Stolen Vehicle Charged

The Hawai’i Police Department has recovered a 1999 Toyota pickup truck that was stolen from Honoka’a on Nov. 11, and the driver is in police custody.

Puna District officers observed the stolen truck on Thursday being driven on Kulani Road at the intersection with Ekena Street.

A 35-year-old Hilo man, identified as Bradford Leialoha, was driving the pickup. He was taken to the Hilo police cellblock as Area I Criminal Investigations Section detectives continued to investigate the incident.

Drug paraphernalia was recovered, as well as 11.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Leialoha was charged Friday afternoon with first-degree meth trafficking, promoting a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia, and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.

In addition, Leialoha was charged with violating terms of supervised release and is being held without bail on that charge pending his initial court appearance, scheduled for Monday.

Leialoha’s bail was set at $310,000.