A Puna man who allegedly tried to burglarize a home and steal a truck is charged under a statute that provides stiffer penalties for allegedly committing the crimes during a declared emergency.
A Puna man who allegedly tried to burglarize a home and steal a truck is charged under a statute that provides stiffer penalties for allegedly committing the crimes during a declared emergency.
Sebastian Hernandez, 22, of Keaau was charged Thursday with attempted burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle. The attempted burglary, normally punishable by up to 10 years i prison, is now punishable by up to 20 years in prison with no possibility of probation. Hernandez was also charged with contempt of court for an unrelated matter. His bail was set at $12,300. He remained at the cellblock until his initial court appearance today.
A 60-year-old Hawaiian Paradise Park woman reported at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday there was a burglary in progress on her property.
The victim told police she saw a woman on her property on 3rd Avenue off Kaloli Drive, then saw a man attempting to steal her pickup truck. When she confronted them, they fled on foot. Police determined that the man had attempted to break into the house before being confronted by the victim.
A short time later, police located the man on 1st Avenue and the woman on 2nd Avenue. They were identified as Hernandez and 25-year-old Olivia Medeiros of Mountain View. Both were arrested and taken to the Hilo police cellblock while detectives investigated.
Medeiros was released later Wednesday pending further investigation.