Suspect Thomas Ryan Kilborn of Pahoa Charged in Kalapana Attempted Murder Investigation

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 36-year-old Thomas Ryan Kilborn, of Pahoa, with attempted murder and an array of additional charges, following a Valentine’s Day incident in Kalapana.

After conferring with county prosecutors at 12:00 p.m. today, February 16, 2021, detectives charged Kilborn with second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of first-degree criminal property damage, two counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (UCPV), accident involving death or serious bodily injury, accident involving damage to vehicle or property, and driving without a driver license.

Kilborn is being held in lieu of $704,000 bail pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, February 17, 2021, in Hilo District Court.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred in the Kalapana area late Sunday afternoon, February 14, 2021. At approximately 4:30 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to the intersection area of Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road and Ole Ole Street for a report of an unknown type disturbance. Upon arrival, officers learned that a male suspect had stolen a vehicle from a driveway and several minutes later returned to the area and struck a 28-year-old female, with the stolen vehicle. After striking the victim, Kilborn crashed the vehicle into a coconut tree.

Kilborn then reportedly stole a pick-up truck from a passerby who stopped to render aid to the injured female as she lay on the roadway. The owner of the pick-up truck then got into the bed of the truck and remained there as Kilborn sped off at a high rate of speed. The truck owner remained in the bed of the truck for several miles, screaming for help, as Kilborn sped through the neighborhood and along Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, until the owner was able to jump out near the Kalapana Transfer Station. A short time later, Kilborn reportedly intentionally struck another moving vehicle from behind, forcing the vehicle off the roadway. The female operator of the vehicle received minor injuries.

Kilborn then drove the stolen truck off the roadway, approximately 30-40 yards into a lava field, where the vehicle became disabled. Kilborn was then arrested after a short foot pursuit with officers.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

The 28-year-old victim that was struck by the vehicle was transported by ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room with life-threatening injuries. She was later flown to the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, where she remains in critical condition. The victims family has set up a Gofundme to help the her family with travel, accommodations, and future bills. Donations it can be pledged here.

Police are asking for anyone with information on this incident or who may have been in the area of Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road between Ole Ole Street and the Kalapana Transfer Station on Sunday afternoon, to contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Scotty Aloy at (808) 961-2375 or email him at Scotty.Aloy@hawaiicounty.gov.

Police want to remind the public that in light of Governor David Ige’s current Covid-19 emergency proclamation, there are enhanced penalties for certain offenses. These offenses include, but are not limited to, burglary, theft, criminal property damage, and robbery.