The truck that was torched following reports of a gunshot in Hawaiian Paradise Park on Monday belonged to Hawaii County, police said while announcing an arrest related to the case.
The truck that was torched following reports of a gunshot in Hawaiian Paradise Park on Monday belonged to Hawaii County, police said while announcing an arrest related to the case.
Eric Wilson, 19, of Keaau was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle after abandoning a stolen Toyota 4Runner on Enos Road in Mountain View, police said.
In a press release, police said Wilson of Puna and the 4Runner were “connected” to the stolen county truck that was later found engulfed in flames.
The 2016 Ford F350 utility tool box truck was stolen from the county’s Mass Transit baseyard Saturday, and was involved in two police pursuits and at least two hit-and-runs over the weekend in the Hilo area. On Monday, an occupant in the truck fired a shot from the vehicle in HPP. The truck was a total loss after being torched in Fern Forest.
Lt. Miles Chong said the 4Runner, stolen April 18, was seen leaving Fern Forest shortly after the arson was reported. It’s not known if Wilson was involved in the theft of the truck or the gunshot incident.
An accomplice who was with Wilson was not arrested.
Suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
Investigations into these incidents continue.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 935-3311 or Detective Wendall Carter at 961-2383. Carter also can be reached at wendall.carter@hawaiicounty.gov.
Anonymous tips can be placed with Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.