Big Island police renew request for information about suspect in Waikōloa burglaries

Big Island police are again asking the public for help with information to locate 23-year-old Tyson Stephens, who is a suspect in a Waikōloa burglary and an investigation into an unauthorized entry of a dwelling.

Stephens is also a person of interest in three additional burglaries, two trespassing investigations and an additional unauthorized entry of dwelling incident in the same area.

Stephens was originally identified as a suspect after South Kohala officers responded at 11:30 a.m. March 5 to a reported burglary on Kimo Nui Street in Waikōloa. An elderly resident reported that Stephens entered his residence and took items without permission before leaving the area on foot.

The unauthorized entry of a dwelling incident happened on Malina Place, where Stephens allegedly entered a residence and was confronted by the residents, eventually fleeing in an unknown direction.

In addition, Stephens is considered a person of interest in a burglary and two trespassing incidents on Lua Kula Street, and two burglaries and an unauthorized entry of a dwelling incident on Laie Street.

Stephens is described as African-American, 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and scruffy facial hair. He was last seen wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, black shorts and dark colored shoes.

Police appreciate the public’s help after receiving calls of sightings of Stephens. They have checked each report in conjunction with the Hawai’i Police Department’s investigation.

Stephens, of no permanent address, is known to frequent the Kona area and has been known to carry a knife. Police caution the public to not approach the him and ask anyone with information relative to these cases to call 9-1-1 or the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

You can also email Officer Justin Uresti at justin.uresti@hawaiicounty.gov or Acting Capt. Roylen Valera at roylen.valera@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.