Man held in stabbing

By JOHN BURNETT

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Ka’u police arrested a 35-year-old Ocean View man who allegedly stabbed a 44-year-old Ocean View man Monday night at Ocean View Market.

The suspect was identified as Biti Biti Jr.

Officers responding to a 7:46 p.m. call were informed that the victim had been shopping with his wife at the convenience store at the Ocean View Town Center when, Biti, an acquaintance, allegedly confronted him and challenged him to a fight. Biti allegedly lunged at the victim and stabbed him on the left side of his body near the ribcage. As the victim turned to flee, he was stabbed again in the back of the neck.

The man was taken by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He remained confined to the hospital Tuesday in stable condition and was “expected to make a full recovery,” according to police Lt. Gerald Wike of the Kona Criminal Investigations Section.

Wike said the victim identified Biti and the man’s wife told police he fled the shopping center in a white pickup truck. Asked if there were any other witnesses, Wike replied: “I don’t believe so; we’re still checking into that.”

Officers later found Biti at an acquaintance’s house in Ocean View, Wike said, and arrested him at 8:36 p.m.

Biti is being held at the Kona police cellblock while detectives continue to investigate. Wike said a charge of first-degree assault is possible today, but police will consult with prosecutors prior to any charges being lodged. Police have until 8:36 p.m. tonight to charge Biti or to release him pending further investigation.

Police had not identified a motive for the attack, Wike said.

Potential witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, extension 262. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.

Email John Burnett at
jburnett@hawaiitribune-
herald.com.