Waimea Woman Arrested After Brandishing Firearm Outside Pāhoa Business

Hawai‘i Island police arrested a 24-year-old woman for theft and terroristic threatening for an incident that occurred at a business in Pāhoa on Monday morning, Aug. 1, during which the female suspect brandished a firearm.

At approximately 9:02 a.m., Puna Patrol officers responded to a report of an active robbery at a business in the 1500 block of Pāhoa Village Road. The suspect, described as a female in her 20s, later identified as Isabella Gonzales of Kamuela, reportedly was observed shoplifting from within the business and assaulted an employee when confronted about the theft.

The woman then exited the business and brandished a firearm at store employees. Due to the suspect’s actions, the business establishment went into a “lockdown” to ensure the safety of employees and customers. The firearm was not discharged, although the suspect made threats towards store employees.

When Puna patrol responded to the scene they located the suspect several hundred yards away from the business, and arrested her at 9:13 a.m. for robbery in the first degree and terroristic threatening in the first degree.

The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation.

Police ask anyone with information on this incident to call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311, or Detective Clarence Davies of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2382.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe