Hawai‘i Island police arrested 34-year-old Jerome Leader of Pāhoa for second-degree robbery after he entered Hilo Bay in an attempt to evade police.

On June 15, police responded to the Bayfront shoreline to investigate a robbery complaint whereby the suspect entered the water in Hilo Bay.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) was deployed to the area by watercraft. Verbal requests to exit the water and de-escalation techniques were attempted for approximately two hours, however Leader refused to comply. He eventually returned to shore and was arrested without incident.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Officer Bryson Arquitola-Takiue at (808) 935-3311, or via email at bryson.arquitola-takiue@hawaiicounty.gov.

HPD Photo