A verbal in-person threat followed by an online video of a youth pointing what appears to be a firearm at the screen and the words “Boys u guys just f**k wit the wrong n***a” with a song by NBA Youngboy – Murder playing over it led to a 5 campus lockdown in Keaʻau this morning.
Hawai‘i Island police report they have arrested a 16-year-old student in connection with threats he made towards other students.
The initial verbal threat was made in-person, and later followed up with a general threat the suspect allegedly posted online. The threats reportedly involved the threatened use of a firearm.
On Tuesday morning, August 9, 2022, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Puna patrol officers responded to Kea‘au High School for the reported threat involving a student that was believed to be armed. It was reported that the responsible juvenile was returning to campus. As officers arrived, the juvenile was observed within a vehicle on campus, and as officers attempted to identify him, he immediately fled the area on foot into a nearby forested area.
Police immediately set up a perimeter encompassing two area schools and the adjoining forested area.
Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene to assist patrol in the search.
As a precaution, four Kea‘au schools in the area were placed on lockdown.
Shortly before 10:45 a.m., police located the juvenile and he was arrested without incident. He was not armed.
Police would like to thank the community for their patience as this case was investigated. Police take threats of violence extremely seriously, especially those involving the use or threatened use of a firearm or other weapon. The protection of life is paramount.
The Area I Juvenile Aid Section is continuing this investigation. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Jenny Lee at (808) 961-2279 or Jenny.Lee@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.