A 34-year-old Pāhoa man, Jerome Leader, was arrested on Sunday, after attempting to escape police by jumping into Hilo Bay. The incident began around 10:46 a.m. near the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal on Highway 19, where police contacted Leader in response to a robbery report, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
In an effort to apprehend a robbery suspect, Hawaii Island police called in support from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, whose officers arrived by watercraft to assist. For over two hours, they attempted to persuade the suspect, identified as Leader, to return to shore from Hilo Bay. Despite various de-escalation tactics, he refused to comply, prompting officers to temporarily clear the area. Around 1:30 p.m., Leader voluntarily came ashore and surrendered without incident. He is currently in custody at the Hilo Police Station as the investigation continues, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.
Officer Bryson Arquitola-Takiue of the South Hilo District is handling information related to the incident. Anyone with tips is asked to call (808) 935-3311 or email [email protected]. Authorities are especially interested in hearing from people who were at the Bayfront shoreline that morning, as stated by the Hawaii Police Department.
