Paʻauilo man arrested after jumping into Hilo Bay to evade police

An alleged suspect in an assault jumped into Hilo Bay to evade arrest after Hawaiʻi Island police arrived at the area of the Wailuku River and the “Singing Bridge” near the lighthouse on Highway 19 on Monday.

The suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Jeremy Rios of Paʻauilo, returned to shore and was arrested without incident. However, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department search and rescue station was summoned and stood by to provide any necessary diving operations.

While investigating the assault complaint, Rios was also identified as the suspect in a burglary of a nearby Hilo business that occurred around 5:08 a.m. Monday. He was seen via video surveillance breaking into a bar and removing alcohol without permission.

Rios was arrested for the following offenses:

• Second-degree assault
• Second-degree burglary
• Two outstanding warrants

Rios remains in custody at the Hilo Police Station, while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continue their investigation.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Daniel Tam of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2380 or via email at daniel.tam@hawaiicounty.gov.