Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 18 year-old Jeremiah Hepp of Puna was arrested and charged in relation to an incident that occurred at Pahoa Village Road business on March 21, 2022.

At the time of his arrest, Hepp was also wanted on an outstanding warrant of arrest for another unrelated felony matter.

As the Complaint alleges, Hepp was charged with 7 offenses including Burglary in the Second Degree, Attempted Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree, and Resisting Arrest.

On Tuesday, March 22, Hepp appeared in Hilo District Court where his request for bail reduction was denied and stayed at $43,000.00.  He was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on March 24.

The investigation was handled by Officers Melvin Vargas and Terence Scanlan, Puna Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office