Two Puna men have been charged with burglary and other offenses after private citizens reported a burglary in progress.
Two Puna men have been charged with burglary and other offenses after private citizens reported a burglary in progress.
At 6:29 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a report of an active burglary on Moanauli Loop in Kalapana Seaview Estates subdivision. Responding officers passed a sports-utility vehicle pulling a trailer loaded with appliances and made a traffic stop.
The driver, 41-year-old Gulliver Brown of Pahoa, was initially arrested on outstanding bench warrants and charged with two counts of contempt of court. The passenger, 29-year-old James Lancaster of Pahoa was arrested on outstanding bench warrants and charged with contempt of court and violating terms of release on bail.
Both were taken to the Hilo police cellblock, while police investigated and found the appliances in the trailer belonged to the 69-year-old man whose had been broken into.
Both men were charged Thursday morning.
Brown was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree theft, driving without a license and insurance, and fraudulent use of license plates. His bail was set at $21,500.
Lancaster was charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree theft. His bail was set at $20,000.
Initial court appearances for both men were today.