A Lahaina homeowner fled for their life Thursday afternoon after a stranger broke into their Wekiu Place residence and threatened to shoot them. The resident escaped safely and called 911, but hours later, the suspect still hadn't been found, and police were going door to door through the neighborhood searching for him.
Central dispatch received the burglary-in-progress call at approximately 12:39 p.m., according to Maui Now. Police said an unknown man entered the residence and threatened to shoot the occupant, who managed to get out of the home safely before calling 911 for help. As reported by Hawaii News Now, the Maui Police Department has been searching for a suspect in what it is calling an armed burglary at the home.
The response brought a heavy police presence to the quiet residential street. Lahaina patrol officers, the Criminal Investigation Division, a K-9 unit, a crisis negotiation team, a drone team, and a special response team all responded to the scene, per Hawaii News Now's reporting. Police said the roadway was closed out of an abundance of caution, as were nearby residences, which officers evacuated while the search continued.
Suspect Still at Large as Search Continues
As of the police department's update, the suspect had not been located. Officers remained on scene and in the surrounding area, searching nearby residences for any sign of him, the same account notes. The roadway reopened at 5:55 p.m., though police personnel stayed in the area to continue the search.
Police also issued a specific warning to the public: don't fly personal drones anywhere near the scene. Officials said unauthorized drones could interfere with emergency operations and create additional safety concerns for the officers and search teams working the case.
How to Report Information
Maui police are asking anyone with information about the incident, or who saw anything suspicious in the area, to come forward. The department asked that tips be directed to its non-emergency line at 808-244-6400, and said anyone witnessing an active emergency should call 911 instead.
