Motorist arrested following fatal crash in Puna released pending further investigation

A motorist arrested following a fatal crash in Puna was released pending further investigation.

Dallas Brooks was taken into custody on the evening of May 16 after fatally striking Robertson Sherwood, who was crossing the roadway on Orchidland Drive and 36th Avenue in Kurtistown. According to Hawai‘i Island police, the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk.

Police say a witness reported that before the impact, there were vehicles that had to swerve to avoid hitting Sherwood, who was in the middle of the roadway.

Sherwood was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center via ambulance, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:48 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene. At this time, police believe that alcohol is a factor in the crash, and a negligent homicide investigation is ongoing.

Brooks was not injured as a result of the collision. He was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent homicide. However, after conferring with the Hawai‘i County Prosecutors’ Office, police released Brooks pending further investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this collision may contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at 808-961-2339 or via email at Joshua.Rodby-Tomas@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 13th traffic fatality of 2025 as compared to 16 traffic fatalities this same time last year.