Hawai‘i Island police seek public help in traffic crash investigation

Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a driver who picked up a motorist involved in a vehicle crash in Puna.

The crash occurred on Dec. 28 shortly after 9 p.m. on Highway 11 between mile markers 19 and 20 in the Glenwood area. According to authorities, a grey Toyota pickup truck was traveling south and struck a black Mazda sedan that was going in the opposite direction.

The occupants of the Mazda sedan were transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to a press release from police, the driver of the grey Toyota pick left the scene of the crash after being picked up in a white Toyota pickup.

Police are seeking the driver of the white Toyota pickup truck who picked up the operator of the grey Toyota truck involved in the crash to confirm the identity of the driver involved in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person or who may have picked up any person in the area of the crash is asked to contact Officer Israel Mata via email at israel.mata@hawaiicounty.gov.

They may also contact the department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

Residents who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.