Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged 20-year-old Lasty Jessy, of Keaʻau, with numerous offenses following a robbery incident at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the evening of Friday, July 4, 2025. Jessy’s apprehension came after a traffic collision in Hilo involving the stolen vehicle and a subsequent foot pursuit.
After conferring with the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, July 7, Jessy was charged with:
- First-degree robbery
- Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle
- First-degree theft
- Resisting an order to stop
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Reckless driving
- Inattention to driving
His total bail was set at $194,000. Jessy was scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, July 8, in Hilo District Court.
The charges stem from an incident reported on July 4 at approximately 8:20 p.m. A 57-year-old woman told police she had parked her gray Subaru sedan along the curb in front of the passenger check-in area at Kona International Airport, with the engine running and the driver’s door open, while dropping off a friend. While saying goodbye, she witnessed a man, later identified as Jessy, enter the driver’s seat without permission and attempt to drive away.
The victim bravely ran to the open driver’s door and grabbed the steering wheel in an effort to stop the suspect. She was dragged a few feet by the moving vehicle before she was forced to let go. Kona patrol officers immediately responded to the scene, and an island-wide All-Points Bulletin was issued for the stolen Subaru. The woman was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where she received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries to her head and body before being released.
The stolen vehicle was spotted by a South Hilo patrol officer on Sunday, July 6, at 1:25 a.m., on East Kawili Street. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the Subaru sped away onto Makaala Street and then southbound on Kanoelehua Avenue, continuing to flee in a reckless manner. For reasons of public safety, police terminated the pursuit.
Later that same morning, at about 6:37 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a major traffic collision at the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and West Kawailani Street. A Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer witnessed the stolen Subaru run a red light and collide with a Toyota SUV that was making a lawful turn. Jessy fled the crash scene on foot but was detained by the DOCARE officer until police arrived and placed him under arrest. He was then transported to the East Hawaiʻi Detention Facility.
Both vehicles involved in the collision sustained severe damage, but fortunately, neither driver suffered serious injuries. The southbound lanes of Kanoelehua Avenue were closed for several hours while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section recovered the stolen vehicle as evidence and processed the scene. Through the ongoing investigation, Jessy was also identified as the driver who had fled from officers earlier that morning.
The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed any part of this incident is asked to contact Detective Robert Kamau Jr. at (808) 961-2384 or via email at robert.kamau@hawaiicounty.gov.
Police are reminding the public to always remain vigilant and secure their vehicles. Never leave your car unlocked or running, even for a short time, especially when nearby.