Puna Man Charged with Assaulting HPD Officer

Daniel Lewis Jr. HPD photo.

A 24-year old man has been arrested after an officer was assaulted during a traffic stop within the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision of the Puna District.

On Sunday, Nov. 6, at approximately 7 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a 1996 Geo Tracker after it was observed passing through an intersection without stopping at a posted sign.

It was discovered that the driver, identified as Daniel Lewis Jr. of Hawaiian Paradise Park, was wanted for violating a court order. Lewis was uncooperative and immediately began rolling up the window and starting the vehicle.

The officer reached in and got a hold of Lewis, who then tried to flee through the passenger door, kicking the officer several times in the face, head and arms as the officer attempted to restrain him.

During the struggle, the driver-side window shattered.

Lewis was able to flee from the vehicle on foot, leaving three other passengers within his vehicle.

Assisting officers converged on the area and began canvassing the neighborhood in search of Lewis.

Lewis was located two hours later within a residence on 26th Avenue. He initially attempted to barricade himself inside a room, but later elected to come out and was arrested without further incident.

Lewis was charged with assaulting a police officer, first degree—a felony, no motor vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and the initial offense for which he was being sought for TRO-harassment.

His bail was set at $5,250 and he remains in custody at the Hilo Police Detention Center pending his initial court appearance.

The officer, a 10-year veteran, was treated for injuries at Hilo Medical Center and later released.