Man arrested in September burglary released without charged and returned to jail

A Hilo man has been returned to jail while police continue to investigate possible burglary charges against him, police said.

On Sept. 11, the Kehaulani Street home of a 91-year-old Hilo woman was broken into and numerous items were removed.

Ongoing police investigation led to the identity of a suspect, identified as 46-year-old Michael Wayne Ortiz.

Wednesday, police arrested Ortiz on suspicion of burglary at Hawaii Community Correctional Center, where he was in custody on unrelated charges. He was taken to the Hilo police cellblock while police continued the investigation.

After conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Ortiz was released back to HCCC without charges Thursday morning pending further investigation.