The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Kona Patrol Officer Jeremy Riddle as its October “Officer of the Month” during a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Kona Patrol Officer Jeremy Riddle as its October “Officer of the Month” during a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
Riddle was honored for his investigation of a robbery.
On Aug. 17, Riddle responded to a reported robbery at a business in the Kailua Industrial Area. A store employee had observed what appeared to be a woman placing items from store shelves into a purse and then leaving the store with a man without paying.
When the employee confronted them, the suspect claimed to have a knife in the purse and threatened to stab the employee. The pair fled before officers arrived.
Within two hours, Riddle arrested a 22-year-old man as an accomplice to the crime. Further investigation revealed that the main suspect was actually a 33-year-old man disguised as a woman. By 4 p.m., Riddle located and arrested him and recovered the stolen property.
The suspect was charged with robbery and terroristic threatening. The suspected accomplice was released without charges after the suspect admitted that the friend was not aware of his intention to steal from the store.
As “Officer of the Month,” Riddle is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaii.