Robbery Suspect Collapses in Hilo Cellblock

A man who was wanted for questioning in a robbery case is in critical condition after collapsing while in police custody.

At 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 38-year-old Clarence Hatori of Pāhoa turned himself in at the Hilo police station, where he was charged with two counts of contempt of court and arrested on suspicion of robbery.

He was held at the Hilo police cellblock pending his initial court appearance on the contempt charges and while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section continued the robbery investigation.

At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, Hatori collapsed while alone in his cell.

Hawai‘i County Fire Department rescue personnel responded and took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

Due to his medical condition, he was released from police custody in connection with the robbery case. That investigation is continuing.

Because the critical medical event occurred while Hatori was in police custody, the Criminal Investigations Division and the Office of Professional Standards are investigating.