Report No. 20-029104
Hawaiʻi Island Police detectives have arrested and charged a 47-year-old Pāhoa man with several offenses stemming from an incident at a convenience store/gas station on Monday afternoon (April 13) in Hilo.
Steven John, who has no permanent address, has been charged with first-degree Terroristic Threatening, Driving without a valid Driver License, and No Motor Vehicle Insurance. His total bail was set at $11,250.
On Monday afternoon shortly before 5:00 p.m., South Hilo Patrol officers responded to a reported weapons incident at a gas station in Hilo. It was reported that several patrons had been threatened by a man with a gun. While responding to the area, additional information was provided to responding officers that the suspect left the area in a vehicle. Officers located the vehicle on Kanoelehua Avenue near Leilani Street and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Upon executing a search warrant, detectives recovered a black BB gun which resembled an authentic pistol. Police want to inform the public that although these weapons may not be real, due to their appearance they may be perceived as real, and this can pose a danger to those in possession of them, as well as police and innocent bystanders.
John made his initial court appearance on Wednesday afternoon (April 15) in South Hilo District Court.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident to Detective William Brown of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2379 or email him at william.brown@hawaiicounty.gov.