Police charge man who reportedly had suicidal, homicidal thoughts as well as multiple firearms

A 38-year-old Mountain View man reported with multiple firearms while having suicidal and homicidal thoughts was arrested and now faces several charges by Hawai‘i Island police following their investigation into the Puna incident that spurred significant public safety concerns.

Hawai‘i Police Department reports Michael Gardner is charged with:

• 2 counts of place to keep: loaded firearm other than pistol or revolver.
• 2 counts of place to keep: pistols or revolvers.
• 4 counts of carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on public highways.
• Place to keep ammunition.

Gardner’s total bail was set at $241,000.

The charges stem from an incident the evening of May 21 in the 18-4100 block of Hinuhinu Street in Mountain View.

Officers responded to the location after receiving information about Gardner reported possession of firearms and having thoughts about killing himself and others.

Gardner fled the area in a vehicle upon the arrival of officers. The vehicle was later located on a nearby dead-end road. Officers established a perimeter around the area while the Hawai‘i Police Department Special Response Team responded to assist with finding the Mountain View man and safely resolving the situation.

Gardner was located and arrested shortly before 7 p.m. the same day.

Police investigation led to the recovery of multiple loaded firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition and a ballistic vest, further underscoring the significant public safety concerns caused by the incident.

Anyone with information relative to this incident is asked to contact Detective Amy Omaya with Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section. Omaya can be reached at 808-961-2381 or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiipolice.gov.