(UPDATED)

Hawai‘i Island police arrested 31-year-old Tyler Anthony Ikaika Iopa of Mountain View for second-degree assault after a 7-year-old girl was knocked down during an affray at a youth football game.

On Saturday, South Hilo patrol officers responded to a report of an affray at Keaukaha Field in Hilo and determined the incident was between several adult males. In the process, the girl was knocked down after being elbowed in the head.  She was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment of a serious concussion and later released.

Iopa left the area prior to officers’ arrival, but through investigative efforts was positively identified as the suspect.  He turned himself in at the Hilo Police Station and was held while detectives continued their investigation.

The investigation determined that the young girl was knocked down when Iopa was stepping backwards to get away from the other males. While retreating backwards, his elbow unintentionally struck the young girl in the head.

After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Iopa was released pending further investigation.  Upon completion, detectives will defer the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for their review and final disposition.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the affray to contact Detective Clarence Acob of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 961-8839 or via email at clarence.acob@hawaiicounty.gov.

 

HPD Photo