Stabbing suspect released from custody

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Police have identified a man arrested Monday after a stabbing in Keaau.

Police have identified a man arrested Monday after a stabbing in Keaau.

The suspect, who wouldn’t give police his name, was identified through fingerprints as 61-year-old Dennis Leavitt of Keaau.

Officers responded to the 16-500 block of the Old Volcano Highway in Keaau at 5:13 p.m. Monday after a report that a man had stabbed another man in the leg with a knife. The men, recent acquaintances, were arguing prior to the alleged assault.

The 55-year-old victim, a Mountain View man, was taken by ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center. He’s since been released.

Leavitt was arrested at the scene on suspicion of first-degree assault. He was released from custody pending further investigation at 3:09 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Tuckloy Aurello at 961-2385 or Tuckloy.Aurello@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.