Accused getaway driver for shooter of a Hawaiʻi Island police officer makes first court appearance

On Monday, the 23-year-old accused of being the getaway driver for the alleged shooter of a Hawaiʻi Island police officer last week made his initial appearance via video in Hilo District Court.

Judge Jeffrey Hawk kept bail at just over $3 million for Silas Zion, who is facing first-degree attempted murder, first-degree hindering prosecution, and gun and ammunition offenses.

Hawk also set a preliminary hearing for 2 p.m. on Wednesday in Hilo District Courtroom 2B at which time he will consider the prosecution’s motion for no bail for Zion.

Police identified Zion as the driver of a white Chevrolet pickup truck whose passenger, 39-year-old Christopher Lucrisia, allegedly fired two rounds at a vice officer who was attempting to execute an arrest warrant on him for violent incidents occurring earlier in the week.

The shooting happened at the Prince Kuhio Plaza parking lot, in front of the First Hawaiian Bank in Hilo. The nine-year veteran of the police force was flown to Oʻahu with gunshot wounds to his head and forearm. Police said he underwent surgery and is expected to recover.

Lucrisia led police on a three-day manhunt that ended on Sunday in his death, after he against shot at police and the police returned fire.

Zion, who was partially identified due to being the registered owner of the truck, was arrested at 6 p.m. the same day of the shooting without incident on Ihope Road in Mountain View.

Deputy Public Defender Jared Auna told the judge the office had not yet made a determination on whether they would represent Zion.

Zion, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, stood throughout the five-minute court appearance and did not say a word.

The most serious charge Zion is facing is attempted first degree murder, which carries a potential penalty of a life term without the possibility of parole.