Report No: 20-069663
Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged two men, a 32-year-old and a 28-year-old both of Kailua-Kona with Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle and other related crimes stemming from an incident that occurred Friday evening (September 11, 2020) in Kona. Police have identified the individuals arrested and charged as Benedict Taketa and Luke Kaniaupio.
Shortly before 8:05 p.m. Friday evening, Kona Patrol officers responded to the parking lot of a business establishment in the 75-1000 block of Henry Street for a report of two men breaking into a car. Upon making contact with the victim, he informed officers that he had confronted the suspected men at which time one of the men aggressively approached the victim holding a set of channel lock-pliers and was making threats.
As officers arrived, both men fled in a SUV heading onto Henry Street in a westerly direction. A short time later the suspect vehicle was involved in a traffic accident causing injuries that required hospitalization to two juveniles that were located within the SUV that fled the scene.
Detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued this investigation.
After conferring with prosecutors, Taketa was charged with unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle in the first degree, terroristic threatening in the second degree, reckless driving, reckless endangering, theft in the fourth degree, resist order to stop, two counts of criminal property damage in the first degree, four counts of assault in the third degree, assault in the second degree, and three counts of terroristic threatening in the first degree. Taketa’s bail was set at $124,000
Kaniaupio was charged with driving without a license, reckless driving, reckless endangering, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, theft in the fourth degree, resist an order to stop, two counts criminal property damage in the first degree, four counts of assault in the third degree, assault in the second degree, and three counts of terroristic threatening in the first degree. Kaniaupio’s bail was set at $124,000.
Both men were transported to Kona District Court for their initial court appearance on Monday (September 14, 2020).
Police ask that anyone who may have information regarding this incident to call Detective Carrie Akina at (808) 326-4646 ext. 277 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
Police also want to remind residents to be vigilant, always secure their vehicles, and do not leave items of value in them. Also, to report all suspicious activity to the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.