Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 40 year-old Kevin Torres of Pahoa was arrested and charged in relation to an incident that occurred on April 19, 2024. According to police reports, Torres was picked up by the owner of Nissan Versa while hitchhiking along Highway 130. Torres is alleged to have threatened and brandished, what appeared to be a black in color pistol, before taking control of said car and driving away. On May 14, 2024, Torres was arrested after being observed to be operating the same Nissan Versa on Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road.
Torres made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Thursday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $171,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on May 20, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Torres is charged with Robbery in the First Degree (in the course of committing theft and/or non-consensual taking of a motor vehicle, was armed with a dangerous instrument or a simulated firearm and threatened the imminent use of force against another person, with intent to compel acquiescence to the taking of or escaping with the property), Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle, a Nissan Versa), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, and Driving Without a License.
Robbery in the First Degree is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term. Theft in the First Degree is a class B felony offense which carries either a penalty of a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by Puna Patrol. The felony investigation was handled by the Crime Reduction Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.