HPD: Verna’s Burglary and Fire Under Investigation

A fire at Verna’s Drive-In in Mountain View is believed to be part of a burglary and arson, according to the Hawai’i Police Department, who says an early Thursday morning incident resulted in $20,000 of property damage.

According to HPD, Puna patrol officers responded to a 2:15 a.m. call about a structure fire at the drive-in, located just off of Highway 11 in the Mountain View area. Upon arrival, officers found the front door open and a small fire burning inside the structure.

Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel were called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. The fire was deemed suspicious in nature by a fire inspector, and the business owners confirmed that items were missing.

Area I Criminal Investigation detectives continue to investigate the incident.

Anyone who has information about the case is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.