Hawai‘i County Police Department detectives arrested and charged 32-year old Gimmy Palafox Ventura of Honoka’a with Assault in the Second-Degree following a recent weapons incident.
On September 6, detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section launched a Second-Degree Assault investigation after a 31 year-old woman was struck by an arrow while walking to her car at the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area parking lot.
The victim said she heard what sounded like a gunshot, however she did not know she had been injured. A short time later, she realized she suffered a large laceration and bleeding to her left bicep. She then left in her vehicle and summoned medical and police assistance.
Officers located her and her vehicle and observed an arrow lodged within her rear quarter panel. The length and type of arrow was determined to be consistent with arrows designed for use in crossbows. Hawaiʻi County Fire Department medics transported the victim to Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital where she was treated and later released.
The length and type of arrow was determined to be consistent with arrows designed for use in crossbows.
During the course of their investigation, HPD identified Palafox Ventura as a person of interest and the possible responsible person who shot at the victim.
The arrow that had been lodged in the victim’s vehicle was later removed, recovered and sent to the Honolulu Police Department Scientific Investigation Section for DNA analysis. A DNA match was later returned from the shaft of the arrow and the contributor was identified as belonging to Ventura.
On October 11, detectives executed search warrants on Ventura’s Honokaʻa residence and vehicle, a 2023 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, which resulted in the recovery of two arrows located in his bedroom. A crossbow, 6 additional arrows, numerous arrow tips and fletching were all recovered from Ventura’s vehicle.
After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section charged Ventura with Assault in the Second-Degree. His bail was set at $2000.00
Last Friday Ventura appeared in Kona District Court for his initial court hearing.
Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Cacique Melendez of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 281, or via email at Cacique.melendez@hawaiicounty.gov.
HPD Photo