Police ID suspect in ‘firearm incident’ in Hāmākua over the weekend

A Kona man is facing charges after he was reportedly seen running from a traffic collision in Pāpa‘ikou, with what appeared to be a firearm.

The collision occurred Sunday. Hawai‘i Island police responded to the crash near the intersection of Highway 19 and Old Māmalahoa Highway shortly after 4 p.m. Officers determined that a dark-colored 2005 Cadillac Escalade sports utility vehicle collided with a gray 2017 Toyota pick-up truck as it was attempting to overtake the pickup.

After the collision, the male operator of the SUV, later identified as 46-year-old Walter Gomes III, exited the vehicle and fled the scene with what appeared to be a rifle. Officers conducted extensive checks in the area but were unable to locate the man.

No one was injured in the incident and the identity of the man was not established at that time.

On Tuesday at 8:10 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers located and arrested Gomes on Hikina Place after receiving multiple calls of Gomes being seen in the area of Highway 19 and mile marker 6. He was then transported to the East Hawai’i Detention Facility for booking, processing, and continued investigation.

A search warrant was executed on the Cadillac which resulted in the recovery of an empty air rifle box, air rifle pump, and documents for Walter Gomes III. A search of a ravine in the area of the traffic collision where Gomes was seen fleeing was conducted and resulted in the recovery of an air rifle which matched the box recovered in his vehicle.

Following the traffic collision and reports of the operator (Gomes) fleeing the scene on foot, several witnesses reported on social media that gunshots were fired. This information was determined not to be factual based on evidence and additional witness statements.

On Wednesday at 2:20 p.m., Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives charged Gomes with the following offense after conferral with Hawai’i County Prosecutors Office:

• First-degree terroristic threatening
• Driving without a valid driver’s license
• No motor vehicle insurance policy
• Accidents involving damage to vehicle
• Duty to give information or render aid
• Reckless driving

Total bail for Gomes was set at $22,000.

Gomes appeared in Hilo District Court today where the judge increased bail to $22,010. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 5.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident can contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2381, or email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.