A disturbance call at a Kea‘au shopping center turned violent Friday evening when a Mountain View man allegedly head-butted one police officer and kicked another repeatedly in the chest, sending both to the hospital with minor injuries. Justin Santagati now faces two counts of first-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, with bail set at $41,000.
According to KITV, officers responded to a disturbance call at 8:19 p.m. on Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road, in the 16-500 block, as reported by Big Island Now. KITV identifies Santagati as 41 years old, while Big Island Now reports he is 44; the discrepancy in his age has not been resolved. Both outlets agree that officers were called out to a shopping center in Kea‘au that evening.
Once on scene, the station's report says Santagati grew combative, allegedly head-butting one officer and kicking a second officer several times in the chest. The Hawai‘i Police Department, in a statement, said Santagati “became disorderly and aggressive towards officers and refused to comply,” after which officers placed him under arrest.
Officers Treated and Released at Hilo Hospital
Both injured officers were treated and released from the Hilo Benioff Medical Center emergency room for what were described as minor injuries. Per the same account, Santagati was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, along with disorderly conduct.
Santagati was booked and transported to the East Hawaii Detention Facility as detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continued investigating the incident. His bail was set at $41,000.
Police Seek Tips From the Public
Detective Michael Matsumura of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section is asking anyone with information about the case to come forward. He can be reached at 808-961-2386 or by email at [email protected]. Tipsters may also reach the police department's non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.
