Hawai’i Island police charged 35-year-old Joseph Diego Soares with a number of offenses following an hours-long armed standoff in Puna last Thursday.
After conferring with the County Prosecutors Office, Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives charged Soares with the following offenses. His bail was set at $269,000.
- Two counts first-degree reckless endangering
- Two counts place to keep firearm
- Two counts place to keep ammunition
- Two counts carrying/possession loaded firearm on highway
- Two counts ownership/possession prohibited (firearm)
- Three counts ownership/possession prohibited (ammunition)
- Two counts third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug
The charges against Soares stem from a March 30 incident when officers observed a vehicle known to be operated by Soares. Officers had information that Soares had two outstanding warrants, was known to be armed and dangerous, and had just received information that he was experiencing suicidal ideations. As the officers attempted to initiate contact with him, he immediately fled the area. Officers were able to maintain sight of his vehicle as it drove towards the Eden Roc subdivision, then into Fern Forrest where the vehicle appeared to begin experiencing mechanical issues. During this time, officers also observed Soares reach his arm out of the vehicle and fire a pistol. Soares’ vehicle subsequently crossed Highway 11 and became fully disabled in the area of Highway 11 and Mauna Loa Road, at the bottom of the Aloha Estates subdivision. At that point Soares exited the vehicle, placed a pistol up against his head, and began running up Mauna Loa Road. Officers pursued Soares on foot up Mauna Loa Road while he kept the pistol pressed against his head. Upon arrival, Special Response Crisis Negotiation Team negotiators verbally engaged with Soares in attempts to peacefully resolve the situation. He was taken into custody and arrested for his two outstanding Circuit Court warrants, reckless endangering, and various firearms offenses. Search warrants were drafted and executed on the vehicle Soares was operating, in addition to the bag on his person, which resulted in the recovery of a loaded rifle, ammunition for the pistol and rifle, and a measurable amount of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine. He remains in custody at the Hawai’i Community Correctional Center (HCCC), and is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court today Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Paul Mangus at (808) 961-2383 or via email at paul.mangus@hawaiicounty.gov.
HPD Photo