Puna Man Charged with Theft of Telehandler Forklift Back in Custody

A Puna man who was charged in relation to the theft of a telehandler forklift, valued at over $100,000, from a Puna business, is back in custody.

On March 18, 2022, 46-year-old Captain Blackwell was arrested by Hawai’i Police Department’s Puna Patrol Officers on an outstanding Information charging bench warrant. Blackwell, who was originally charged via Complaint in Hilo District Court, was out of custody after being granted supervised release over Prosecutors’ objections.

Prosecutors chose to proceed via Information charging prior to Blackwell’s preliminary hearing in Hilo District Court on March 14 and secured the issuance of the $25,000.00 bench warrant.

Blackwell has been charged with first-degree theft. A repeat offender, the 46-year-old has prior felony convictions for first-degree burglary, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and place to keep pistol or revolver.

Blackwell is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo Circuit Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.