Ocean View man facing attempted murder charges following shooting in Ka‘ū

Detectives with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section arrested Jonah Farmer, 26, of Ocean View, with numerous offenses including second-degree attempted murder, robbery, and auto theft, stemming from a shooting incident that occurred in Ocean View on Tuesday morning.

Charges stem from an incident on Aloha Boulevard. According to police, Ka‘ū patrol officers made contact with a 43-year-old male victim, also from Ocean View, at 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

The victim reported that while sleeping in a tent on his property he was approached by an unidentified female asking for assistance with her vehicle. While walking to assist the woman, an unknown man, later identified as Farmer, assaulted him with an unspecified weapon, resulting in injuries to his neck and head. A short struggle ensued and the male victim was reportedly shot in his upper right thigh, prompting him to flee to a neighboring residence for help.

The victim believed that the suspect’s intention was to rob him and reported that his 2022 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was stolen during the incident. An all-points bulletin was disseminated to officers for the vehicle.

Having received substantial injuries, the victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital for treatment and was later released.

Later on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., Kona patrol officers were conducting area checks in Kailua-Kona when they observed Farmer operating a 2019 Kia Soul. Shortly thereafter, he was contacted by officers and subsequently arrested without incident for the following offenses:

• Second-degree attempted murder
• First-degree robbery
• First-degree burglary
• Second-degree assault
• Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft)
• First-degree theft

Area II CIS detectives recovered the Kia Soul and a search warrant is pending. Farmer remains in police custody as detectives continue their investigation. No official charges have been filed.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara, via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov, via telephone at 808-960-3118, or the department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

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