For his notable efforts in apprehending two mainland sex assault offenders hiding on Hawai‘i Island and his leadership in a separate violent kidnapping investigation, Hilo Patrol Acting Sergeant Bryson Pilor was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
A 9-year veteran of the department, Acting Sergeant Pilor has earned a reputation for his remarkable drive and unwavering dedication and commitment, setting a high bar for his peers and subordinates. He approaches obstacles with a solutions-oriented mindset, consistently finding innovative ways to overcome hurdles and keep investigations on track.
Previously assigned to the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) within the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Pilor is currently working as an Acting Sergeant in the Hilo Patrol District. While assigned to the Crime Reduction Unit, Officer Pilor served as a Task Force Officer deputized with U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations where he had an intricate role in many successful investigations.
In one investigation in June 2023 Officer Pilor was contacted by his counterparts with the U.S. Marshals Service regarding two individuals wanted in separate cases who had fled the mainland to avoid prosecution for sexual assault offenses and were possibly residing on Hawai‘i Island. Officer Pilor worked tirelessly to develop leads to locate the whereabouts of both individuals, who were wanted in Nevada and Florida respectively. He drafted extradition arrest warrants for each suspect, apprehended both individuals, and facilitated their extraditions.
Based on his consistent high-quality performance in CRU, Officer Pilor was asked to serve as an Acting Sergeant for the Hilo Patrol District. He easily transitioned into a position that demanded quick thinking, adaptability, and exceptional organizational skills.
Acting Sergeant Pilor’s leadership ability was evident during a March 2024 investigation in which a man was violently kidnapped, beaten, threatened, and left injured on a roadside.
Upon responding to the intersection of East Mamaki Street and Highway 11 in Hilo for a report of a man lying on the roadway, police learned that the victim had been lured into a vehicle by a female acquaintance earlier in the evening. She was later joined by a male suspect who struck the victim repeatedly with closed fists to his head and face. The two suspects then searched the victim, removing his wallet and cell phone, before driving him to a secluded area where he was severely beaten with a metal collapsible baton, threatened with a handgun, and left on the roadside.
Acting Sergeant Pilor was instrumental in coordinating the complex investigation, which led to the discovery of multiple crime scenes and evidence collected. Both the male and female suspects were located and arrested. The investigation was continued by the Area I Criminal Investigation Section who were able to obtain search warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and properties that led to the recovery of two firearms and a collapsible baton, along with a cache of illegal narcotics, including ketamine, heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, a large amount of fentanyl in powder and pill form, as well as more than a pound of crystal methamphetamine.
The male suspect was later charged with numerous felony offenses, and his bail was set at $1,165,000. It was also learned that the suspect is known to Oahu law enforcement and is known to be involved in violent criminal behavior on that island as well. The female suspect was also charged and her bail was set at $110,000.
Acting Sergeant Pilor always remains calm and composed even during the most challenging calls for service, providing steady guidance and support to officers. His ability to adapt to quick changing circumstances and make informed decisions under pressure is truly commendable and plays a significant role in the overall success of the district.