Hawai‘i Island police seek help identifying suspect who fired a gun while driving in Hilo

Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspected of firing a gun from a moving vehicle in Hilo.

The incident occurred on Jan. 15. According to Hawai‘i Island police, a 56-year-old Hilo man reported that while driving west on Ponahawai Street at around 2 p.m., approaching the area of Homelani Cemetery, he saw through his rear-view mirror, a male holding what appeared to be a handgun in his right hand, while driving with his left hand.

The victim reported that the suspect then discharged the firearm out the driver’s window while still holding the weapon by his chest area, never sticking it out the window. The victim related the suspect then began waving the gun around while using his left hand to stick the middle finger at him; however, the firearm was not pointed at him.

The victim reported the suspect vehicle was initially in front of him, “brake checking” him when the vehicle pulled over to let him pass. The suspect vehicle then pulled back onto Ponahawai Street and began tailgating him.

The suspect is described as a local tan-skinned male, possibly in his late 40s to 50s, having dark hair, possibly with a hint of gray. No clothing description of the suspect.

The vehicle is described as a white sedan/hatchback crossover type vehicle, possibly a Toyota Rav4 or a Subaru Forester. The license plates are unknown.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at 808-961-2375, or via email at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov.