Hawai‘i Island police have detained a 70-year-old man following a fatal incident that transpired yesterday morning in Hilo. As reported by the official police website, the suspect, recognized as Robert Bradshaw and currently without a permanent address, allegedly drove over the victim post a physical conflict.
Officers were dispatched at 7:38 a.m. to a disturbance call in a parking lot on Kamehameha Avenue, where they found the injured man entangled in what witnesses said was an altercation with Bradshaw, who was holding a knife. According to the original police report, Bradshaw promptly got back into his van to apparently run over the man before attempting to flee.
A prompt response enabled law enforcement to locate Bradshaw's white van near the scene. He was apprehended and later required treatment for injuries sustained during the incident, before being booked into the East Hawai‘i Detention Facility. The suspect's vehicle was seized and towed for further examination pending a search warrant.
Authorities confirmed that the 64-year-old victim was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:03 a.m. Official identity confirmation and notification of the victim's family are underway. An autopsy, to be expected next week, is intended to conclusively determine the cause of death.
The case, initially approached as an attempted murder, has been escalated to second-degree murder following the victim's demise. Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are actively investigating. Police have urged anyone with pertinent information to reach out to Detective David Po’ohina or contact the department's non-emergency number. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any tip leading to further developments in the case.
