Police search for pedestrian struck by vehicle in Puna

Big Island police need help with identifying a pedestrian who is thought to have been struck by a vehicle the evening of Dec. 30 in a Puna subdivision and they are asking the public if it has any information.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday, Puna Patrol officers responded to an unknown disturbance in the area of the intersection of Kahakai Boulevard and Kaku Street in Hawaiian Beaches. Officers determined that a green Chevrolet multi-purpose vehicle, thought to be traveling east on Kahakai Boulevard, struck a pedestrian walking along the roadway. The pedestrian left the area prior to police arrival.

According to statements by witness, the pedestrian is thought to be a young local male with brown curly hair, wearing a white t-shirt and gold chain. He reportedly left in a black pickup truck, possibly a Nissan. Police think he might be injured and in need of medical assistance.

Because of the unknown circumstances of this incident, and being that the pedestrian has not been located or identified, the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section was assigned to assist in this investigation.

Anyone who might have information about the identity of the pedestrian in this case or who might have witnessed the incident is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311 or contact Detective John Balberde with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2386 or via email at [email protected].