Hilo man assaults police officer while in custody, officials say

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KAILUA-KONA — A Hilo man taken into custody on liquor and drug violations faces additional charges after assaulting a police officer during the booking process, authorities report Friday.

KAILUA-KONA — A Hilo man taken into custody on liquor and drug violations faces additional charges after assaulting a police officer during the booking process, authorities report Friday.

The incident started shortly after midnight on Friday when Hawaii police officers responded to a man, later identified as Stacen Deponte, 28, yelling and waving his arms on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo, according to a press release from the Hawaii Police Department.

The release states officers stopped to see if Deponte needed assistance. At that point, the 28-year-old was arrested and charged with liquor violations and promoting dangerous drugs. He was then transported to the Hilo cellblock.

During the booking process, the release indicates, Deponte hit one of the officers in the face just below his eye and then kicked him in the chest as the officer fell backward.

Deponte was transferred to the Kona cellblock and charged additionally with resisting arrest and assault on a police officer in the first degree.

He remains in custody at this time. Bail has been set at $2,525.