Following a chaotic series of traffic-related crimes in Volcano this past weekend, Hawai‘i Island police have officially charged Nā‘ālehu resident Pomaikai Olson, 31, with a slew of serious offenses. The disruptions began last Saturday afternoon, with callers reporting a white Dodge pickup truck aggressively forcing motorists off the road along Highway 11. According to an update from Hawai‘i police, Olson was subsequently arrested and is now facing multiple counts including robbery, vehicle theft, and impersonating a police officer, with his bail set at $592,000.
Olson's rapid escalation of his dangerous actions grew with the carjacking of a 62-year-old woman's Hummer H3 at gunpoint, as reported by a detailed Hoodline article. The pursuit of Olson's recklessness was far from over as he attempted to forcibly break into a Kurtistown residence on Volcano Road, only to be eventually apprehended after being restrained by bystanders when his stolen vehicle became disabled.
In the course of this crime spree, Olson managed to not only put several lives at risk but also to directly engage victims in a terrifyng face-to-face confrontation. One particularly harrowing account involves a 79-year-old man who, when Olson pointed a firearm at him and demanded his vehicle, had to hastily flee for safety. This firearm was later identified by police as an airsoft pistol closely resembling a genuine gun.
Following the incidents that unfolded, Olson found himself in police custody, with an array of charges awaiting him in Hilo District Court. "Two counts first-degree robbery, three counts first-degree theft of motor vehicle, three counts unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle,” are among the charges listed, as originally conveyed in a statement obtained by the Hawai‘i police. Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continue to actively piece together the events that transpired during Olson's rampage, as they move forward in their extensive investigation.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information on the series of events to step forward. Detective Amy Omaya has been designated the point of contact for those looking to provide witness statements or any pertinent information regarding the incidents, and she can be reached at (808) 961-2381 or through email at [email protected]. Additionally, those wishing to remain anonymous have been encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300, where they may be eligible for a financial reward up to $1,000 for information that helps the investigation.
