A routine grocery run in Waipahu turned into a crime scene Monday evening when a 28-year-old man was attacked with a machete in a supermarket parking lot and taken to a hospital with a laceration. The assault happened at about 6:00 p.m., and police say the attacker drove away from the scene. Officers are asking anyone with information to come forward as detectives continue their investigation.
Police release suspect description and seek tips
According to the Honolulu Police Department, District 3 officers are investigating an Assault in the Second Degree that occurred in the Waipahu supermarket parking lot. HPD says the victim suffered a laceration and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Investigators described the suspect as a Samoan male in his 40s with a medium build who was last seen wearing a white tank top and blue jean shorts. Police say he fled in an unknown vehicle.
Machete cases have surfaced across Oʻahu this year
The Waipahu attack is the latest in a string of machete-related incidents reported on Oʻahu in recent months, ranging from robberies to an alleged carjacking that ended in a crash. Hawaii News Now has documented multiple cases since January that prompted HPD searches and community concern. Authorities say investigators have not confirmed any links between the separate incidents as they review surveillance footage and witness accounts.
Legal notes
Assault in the Second Degree is generally treated as a felony under Hawaii law and is classed as a class C felony in state code, according to legal summaries. FindLaw outlines the statute; prosecutors will determine actual charges and penalties after the investigation. Detectives say the inquiry is active and that charges may change as more evidence is gathered.
HPD is asking anyone who saw the assault or who has dash-cam or surveillance video from the area to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. The department’s post with the suspect description is available on its social feed for those who may recognize the individual, and detectives say anonymous tips are welcome.
