Gunshots heard in Kona

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Kona police received numerous calls Tuesday night reporting what sounded like gunfire at various locations in Keauhou.

Kona police received numerous calls Tuesday night reporting what sounded like gunfire at various locations in Keauhou.

Officers responded to the initial 8:41 p.m. call. Shortly before 9 p.m., they saw a pickup truck on a dirt road off Kaleiopapa Drive and made contact with three men inside. While speaking to the occupants, officers saw a rifle, which was not loaded, inside the truck.

The three Kailua-Kona men, 26-year-old Jeffrey Horton, 24-year-old Matthew Canter and 20-year-old Armando Mejia, were arrested on suspicion of carrying an unloaded firearm. Horton was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The three men were taken to the Kona police cellblock while detectives investigated.

The firearm and truck were taken as evidence.

After conferring with prosecutors, police released the three men Wednesday morning pending further investigation.

There were no reports of injuries or property damage.

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call their non-emergency line at 935-3311 or to contact Detective Shawn Tingle at 326-4646, ext. 277, or stingle@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.