A 1-year-old boy is dead after being struck Saturday night in the parking lot of Kahaluu Housing. ADVERTISING A 1-year-old boy is dead after being struck Saturday night in the parking lot of Kahaluu Housing. Police were alerted by a
A 1-year-old boy is dead after being struck Saturday night in the parking lot of Kahaluu Housing.
Police were alerted by a call at 7:54 p.m.
They found that a white 1996 Chevrolet Suburban had been southbound in the parking lot in an attempt to reverse into a parking stall. The victim, Benwa Benjimon, was standing in front of the Suburban as it pulled forward, causing critical injuries.
Benwa was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:37 p.m., according to police.
The driver, Benjimon Gideon, 38, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide and released, pending further investigation, police said.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers began a negligent homicide investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229. People who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.