A Hilo man faces multiple charges after an armed road rage incident escalated into a confrontation with police. Lorne Raymond Hisatoshi Ito, 25, was charged with first-degree terrorist threatening, among other offenses, and his bail is set at $62,000. The Hawaii Police Department reported that Ito is set to appear in Hilo District Court this afternoon.
The series of events began on Wednesday morning when a 37-year-old woman and her teenage daughter, driving near Opukahaia Street in Keaau, nearly collided with Ito's vehicle. Reportedly, Ito was driving recklessly and brandished a firearm. Attempting to locate the vehicle, Puna patrol officers received a tip from one of their own who, while off duty, saw the vehicle driving erratically towards Hilo on Highway 11.
Ito ignored a police order to stop, hit another vehicle on Kilauea Avenue, and tried to flee on foot while armed. Officers from South Hilo and Puna arrested him, and no injuries were reported.
Investigators from Area I Criminal Investigation Section took over to pursue this case, with the weapon recovered being determined operable. Ito's vehicle is held for a search warrant clearance. Police are urging witnesses to come forward and have requested that anyone with information contact Detective Duane Rapoza Jr.
