KAILUA-KONA — A 32-year-old North Kohala man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other offenses stemming from an April incident in which he allegedly repeatedly rammed a vehicle with two occupants inside.
KAILUA-KONA — A 32-year-old North Kohala man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other offenses stemming from an April incident in which he allegedly repeatedly rammed a vehicle with two occupants inside.
Dwight Antonio Rivera pleaded not guilty to first-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal property damage for intentionally or knowingly damaging property and thereby recklessly placing another person in danger of death or bodily injury, and owning or possessing a firearm when prohibited on Tuesday. Third Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra set jury trial Aug. 8.
Rivera’s Deputy Public Defender Wendy Deweese argued to reduce bail to $25,000 while prosecutor’s sought to keep the already-set $80,000 bail. Ibarra ruled to maintain bail, noting the seriousness of the charges and Rivera’s criminal history.
Rivera, as of Tuesday afternoon, remained in custody at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
According to police, the April 5 incident occurred at about 1 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 250 and Kynnersley Road. The call came in as an active domestic dispute and upon arrival officers discovered a a heavily damaged brown Toyota pickup truck, which was occupied by a 31-year-old North Kohala woman and 36-year-old Kamuela man. The woman was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital for minor injuries and was later released.
They subsequently determined Rivera allegedly used a red Dodge pickup truck to ram the victims’ vehicle repeatedly. Rivera was taken into police custody after turning himself in on April 6.