Kona teen taken into custody after a gun was fired during an affray

Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a reckless endangering investigation stemming from reports of a firearm being discharged during an affray early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred on Puohulihuli Street near Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona. Hawai‘i Island police responded to the scene at 12:41 a.m., where they found a crowd of 20 individuals in the area.

According to Witness accounts, a male party brandished a firearm and fired one round into the air during a physical altercation involving multiple individuals.

Police identified Fernando Villanueva-Gonzalez, 19, of Kailua-Kona as the suspect. He was arrested on scene at 1:05 a.m. for the following offenses:

• Place to keep pistol/revolver
• First-degree reckless endangering

Villanueva-Gonzalez was transported to the Kona Police Station, where he is being held pending follow-up investigation.

At this time, there is no indication that any persons were harmed by the alleged firearm discharge.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding this incident call Detective Aaron Tanaka, 808-326-4646, ext. 228, or the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.