Police seek driver in suspected road rage incident near Pahoa

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Big Island police are investigating a reported road rage incident.

Big Island police are investigating a reported road rage incident.

At 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, a 59-year-old Puna man went to the Pahoa police station and reported he was driving in the Pahoa direction on the Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) when he passed a Toyota pickup truck just south of the intersection with Ainaloa Boulevard. The Toyota truck then reportedly struck the victim’s truck three times from behind, with the third strike sending the victim’s vehicle into a slide, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

As the victim drove to the police station, the suspect followed him, but then drove away before police could contact him.

He was last seen heading in the Keaau direction on Route 130 back toward Ainaloa. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a dark-colored new Toyota Tacoma 4-door pickup truck, possibly black or charcoal gray. It appeared to be lifted, police said.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the truck or its driver should call Officer Shawn Tingle at 965-2716.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1000. — WHT