Yesterday afternoon, South Kohala patrol officers and Area II Vice officers arrested a 55-year-old man for terroristic threatening in Waimea. The incident began with a report of a man hitting a car with a hand tool, possibly a hatchet at a Waimea shopping center. Upon arrival, officers learned the man had fled the area on foot. Police determined the identity of the suspect but were unable to locate him at his residence. Later, the suspect’s girlfriend reported that he was at home and smashing her car with an axe. Upon arrival, police determined the man had again fled on foot. Officers initiated a search of nearby areas by vehicle and foot. After Waimea Elementary School officials were informed of the search, the school went into lockdown as a precautionary measure. Officers assisted clearing the campus. After learning the suspect was in custody, the school lifted the lockdown.
The investigation remains on-going and no charges have been filed at this time. Police ask anyone who may have information on this case to contact Officer Robert Sakata at (808) 887-3080 or via email at Robert.Sakata@hawaiicounty.gov.