On Wednesday evening, March 13, 2024, South Kohala patrol officers arrested 23-year-old Tyson Stephens in Waikoloa in connection with their investigation into a Waikoloa Village burglary and unauthorized entry to a dwelling. Stephens is also a person of interest in three additional burglaries, two trespassing investigations, and an additional unauthorized entry of dwelling incident in the same area.
Shortly after 5 p.m., officers spotted Stephens in a rocky pasture near a golf course on the west (makai) side of Waikoloa Village. After a foot chase through the fields, Stephens was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Kona Police Station cellblock for processing, while detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) continue the investigation.
Stephens was arrested for:
- Two counts of first-degree burglary
- Second-degree unauthorized entry of a dwelling
- Two counts of fourth-degree theft
- Criminal contempt of court
Stephens bail was set at $50,700.
Hawai‘i Police Department received several reported sightings of Stephens after issuing a media release last week. The department appreciates the community’s cooperation and encourages citizens to continue their assistance by obtaining descriptions, direction of travel, and other details that assist police in their investigations.
Police ask anyone with information about these burglary and trespassing cases to contact Detective Cacique Melendez of HPD’s Area II CIS at (808) 326-4646, ext. 281, or Cacique.Melendez@hawaiicounty.gov or to call the police department non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.