Hawai‘i Island police charged 38-year-old Michael Gardner of Mountain View with a number of weapons offenses following a firearms investigation in Puna.
After conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Gardner was charged with:
- Two counts of place to keep: loaded firearm other than pistol or revolver
- Two counts of place to keep: pistols or revolvers
- Four counts of carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on public highways
- Place to keep ammunition
Gardner’s total bail was set at $241,000.
The charges stem from a May 21 incident when officers responded to the 18-4100 block of Hinuhinu Street in Mountain View following information that Gardner was experiencing suicidal and homicidal thoughts while reportedly in possession of multiple firearms.
Upon officers’ arrival, Gardner fled the area in a vehicle, which was later located on a nearby dead-end roadway. Officers established a perimeter around the area while HPD’s Response Team responded to assist in locating Gardner and safely resolving the situation.
Gardner was later located and arrested without incident.
As a result of the investigation, police recovered multiple loaded firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition, and a ballistic vest
The investigation remains ongoing with police requesting additional information from the public.