Asuncion indicted for attempted murder in carjacking, chase

A Hilo grand jury has indicted a 38-year-old Pahoa man who allegedly kidnapped a woman in Hilo last month, hijacked her sport-utility vehicle, led police on a chase up Stainback Highway, and was shot while attempting to run over two officers, with attempted murder and other charges.

The indictment returned Wednesday against Riley Jason Asuncion charges him with three counts of attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, first-degree terroristic threatening, unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle, auto theft, two counts of third-degree assault, fourth-degree theft, reckless driving, resisting an order to stop and driving without a license.

A bench warrant set Asuncion’s bail at $1,583,350. He remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

The woman, who managed to escape from the SUV, and Asuncion suffered minor injuries in the July 21 incident.

The officers were not physically injured and were placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated.