UFC legend BJ Penn arrested Thursday in Hilo for violating temporary restraining order

Hawai‘i Island police on Thursday arrested and charged 46-year-old Jay Dee “BJ” Penn, a former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, for violating a temporary restraining order.

While the news release did not say who the temporary restraining order was for, in late May Penn was arrested and charged twice for abusing his 79-year-old mother, Lorraine Shin, according to the Hawaiʻi County court documents.

Shin filed a temporary restraining order against her son in Third Circuit Family Court in May for what she describes as “extreme psychological abuse.”

According to court documents, Penn’s mother states that Penn has accused her of killing his family and taking over his mother’s identity, and “he wants me to be removed from his home.”

Officers responded to the area of Pu‘u‘eo Street in Hilo at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday to investigate a report, and learned that Penn had entered the residence, which police said violated the terms of a temporary restraining order against him.

Penn was located within the area and arrested without incident. He was processed at the Hilo Police Station and released after posting a $3,000 bail. He is slated to make his initial appearance in family court on Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding the Thursday incident to contact Officer Blake Ragocos of South Hilo Patrol at 808-935-3311, or via email at blake.ragocos@hawaiicounty.gov.