A week after a shocking acid attack left a man critically injured in Honolulu's Chinatown, police have identified 34-year-old Marquis Johnson as the suspect in the seemingly random assault. According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Johnson remains at large and is considered extremely dangerous, prompting an intensive manhunt across Oahu.
The attack occurred on Friday, August 8, around 11:40 p.m. when the 30-year-old victim had just picked up food and was walking on North Hotel Street near Smith Street and Nuuanu Avenue. As reported by Hawaii News Now, an unknown man approached the victim on the sidewalk, asked him a few questions, then suddenly threw an unknown liquid on him. The Honolulu Fire Department later confirmed the substance was sulfuric acid.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services treated the victim for severe burns before transporting him to an emergency room in critical condition. The victim did not know his attacker, making the assault appear completely random. "Johnson is considered dangerous. If you see him do not approach. Call 911 immediately," HPD warned in their evening news release Tuesday, as mentioned on Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Suspect Description and Manhunt
Police describe Johnson as 6 feet tall with a slim build. At the time of the attack, he was wearing a long-sleeved blue hooded Dri-Fit shirt, black pants, black athletic shoes, and black-framed glasses, according to the Star-Advertiser. He carried a black backpack and was holding a red or maroon Hydro Flask.
Authorities have released surveillance footage showing Johnson crossing the street and a composite sketch based on witness accounts. Anyone with information concerning the suspect is asked to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300, with anonymous tips available through the P3 Tips app.
Pattern of Violence
This latest attack has reopened concerns about Hawaii's disturbing recent history with acid assaults. In January 2024, another acid attack near Ala Moana Center left a woman critically injured with severe burns to her face and body. That incident was part of what authorities called a murder-for-hire plot, as detailed by Spectrum Local News.
The previous attacks were connected to Paul Cameron, who allegedly orchestrated a conspiracy from behind bars. According to reports, Cameron hired another inmate to carry out a second acid attack on an innocent bystander to cast doubt on his role in throwing acid on his ex-girlfriend in Mililani in 2023.
Community on Edge
The identification of Johnson has brought little comfort to Chinatown residents and business owners already grappling with safety concerns. "There's always something going down around here," one unidentified woman told EMS1. "It feels a little unsafe."
Harry Seda, owner of Old Ironside Tattoo on Smith Street, expressed alarm about the attack's timing and nature. "The acid thing is something to worry about. This is a big deal," Seda said. "Friday is when people come to hang out." He added that the city needs to work harder to keep the area safe.
Chinatown business and community leaders have pushed for increased patrols and upgraded surveillance following a string of violent incidents. The city has responded by installing modern cameras and signage across the district in recent years.
Legal Implications
HPD has classified the case as first-degree assault, a serious felony in Hawaii. As reported by Fox News, charges could potentially range from first-degree assault to attempted murder. Detectives have not determined a motive, and it remains unclear whether the attack qualifies as a hate crime.
Investigators are still determining whether this case is related to the previous acid attacks in 2023 and 2024. The search for Johnson continues as the random nature of the attack and his continued freedom has left Chinatown's tight-knit community on edge, wondering if their neighborhood's revitalization efforts can withstand another blow to its reputation for safety.
