cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com
BY CHELSEA JENSEN | WEST HAWAII TODAY
A 35-year-old Ocean View man is in police custody following a reported stabbing Monday night outside a Ka’u convenience store.
A 44-year-old Ocean View man had apparently been shopping with his wife at an Ocean View Town Center convenience store when the 35-year-old man, who police identified as an acquaintance, confronted him and challenged him to a fight around 7:45 p.m., Hawaii Police Department Area II Criminal Investigations Section Lt. Gerald Wike said.
The 35-year-old allegedly lunged at the 44-year-old and stabbed him in his left side, near the ribs, according to the Hawaii Police Department. As the victim turned to flee, he was allegedly stabbed in the back of the neck.
The 35-year-old subsequently fled in a white pickup truck, according to police. West Hawaii Today is not identifying the man because he had yet to be charged with a crime as of press time on Tuesday.
The 44-year-old man was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was still confined Tuesday in stable condition, Wike said. No others, including the man’s wife and the suspect, were injured in the incident, he confirmed.
Officers, after police dispatch received information from another acquaintance, located and arrested the 35-year-old man at 8:36 p.m. at a Hawaiian Ocean View Estates home, Wike said. The motive for the stabbing remains under investigation.
The suspect is being held at the Kona police cellblock while detectives continue the investigation. Police have through Wednesday evening to charge the man or release him pending further investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has information on the incident should call Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, ext. 262. Those who prefer to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo.
cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com