Standoff suspect’s case moves to circuit court

Swipe left for more photos

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

The man charged with shooting his girlfriend, a police officer then engaging in a 20-hour standoff with police had his last hearing in district court Tuesday.

The man charged with shooting his girlfriend, a police officer then engaging in a 20-hour standoff with police had his last hearing in district court Tuesday.

Macdon Donny Thromman, 37, of Kaapu, was present in North Kohala District Court in Waimea Tuesday.

His defense attorney, Ann Datta, had argued on July 21 that the case required a mental fitness and capacity exam, based on her interactions and observations of Thromman.

Judge Michael Udovic agreed, placing the hearing on Tuesday.

Thromman has also been indicted on all 22 charges by a grand jury.

He was joined in court by Carmina Alik, a court-appointed Marshallese translator. According to court records, he was born in the Marshal Islands before moving to Hawaii 20 years ago.

The case was delayed several times as the court system attempted to find a qualified interpreter, finally using a man who flew in from Oahu for a hearing.

Britt Bailey, deputy prosecutor, moved that the case go to circuit court.

Datta said the case was already active in circuit court, so she was unsure of the district’s jurisdiction.

“Either way, if I do nothing this is going to remain in Circuit Court,” Udovic said Tuesday. He said it was important for clearing off the court’s records.

Thromman has remained in custody since his arrest, with a bond set at $390,200.

According to court records, he fired a .30-30 hunting rifle at his girlfriend, striking her in the leg on July 13. He also shot a responding officer in the right arm, the charging document says.

He ultimately was arrested after several attempts by the Special Response Team, which ended with using pepper spray fired into the house.

The circuit court docket has no set date for the next action.