A man from Captain Cook has been placed under arrest by the Hawai'i Island Police after causing alarm with a firearm-like object in Hookena, Hawai'i. The incident occurred early yesterday morning, according to a police report, when the 38-year-old suspect was seen wielding what appeared to be a rifle and discharging it towards passing vehicles.
Officers who responded to the incident at around 6:40 a.m. on the 84-4500 block of Māmalahoa Highway, were quickly able to disarm and arrest the individual, identified only as a Captain Cook man, without any further incident to occur. The weapon in question turned out to be a break barrel BB/Pellet gun after closer inspection. The man now faces two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.
The unnerving presence of the man and his weapon had additional repercussions. Hookena Elementary School, which found itself in the vicinity, promptly placed itself on lockdown when a staff member saw the man with the presumed rifle looking at the children in the schoolyard. The safety measures were enacted immediately, with no harm coming to the students or staff of the school.
The school employee's quick action showcases the readiness to sharply, and without hesitation, protect the students against potential threats. The Police have not released the suspect's identity but confirmed he remains in custody as investigation continues. Witnesses and anyone else directly affected by the ordeal have been urged to contact Officer Dane Shibuya Jr. for further assistance with the ongoing case.
