HILO, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island police arrested a 34-year-old Pāhoa man for second-degree robbery yesterday, Sunday, June 15, 2025, after he jumped into Hilo Bay in an apparent attempt to evade apprehension.
At approximately 10:46 a.m. yesterday, police responded to the Bayfront shoreline, just east of the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal on Highway 19, to investigate a robbery complaint. Upon arrival, the suspect had already entered the water in Hilo Bay.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department requested mutual aid from the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which deployed watercraft to the area. For nearly two hours, law enforcement attempted verbal requests and de-escalation techniques, urging the suspect to exit the water. However, the suspect refused to comply and would not return to shore.
Eventually, law enforcement personnel cleared the immediate area. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the suspect, later identified as Jerome Leader, returned to shore and was arrested without further incident.
Leader remains in custody at the Hilo Police Station as police continue their investigation into the robbery.
Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Officer Bryson Arquitola-Takiue of the South Hilo District at (808) 935-3311, or via email at bryson.arquitola-takiue@hawaiicounty.gov.